LOUD WOMEN Fest brings its female-focused, trans inclusive live showcase back to Sydney and Melbourne in December.
LOUD WOMEN Fest is set to return to Australia in December 2025, bringing its female-focused, trans inclusive showcase to Sydney/Eora and Melbourne/Naarm for a second year. The London-based intersectional feminist collective will host events on December 7 at Crowbar, Sydney, and December 14 at The Bergy in Melbourne.
Applications are now open until August 15 for non-male-dominated bands and independent artists from any location, with a preference for punk, metal, rock, and indie, though all genres will be considered. Eligible applicants include women, trans, nonbinary, and queer artists.
Founded in 2015, LOUD WOMEN has built a reputation as a platform for underrepresented voices in punk, indie, and alternative music. The collective has staged events in London and New York, showcasing hundreds of bands who have gone on to wider success. Alumni include Brighton punk outfit Lambrini Girls, who have since toured internationally and supported acts such as Soft Play and IDLES, and English rock duo Nova Twins, who have opened for artists including YUNGBLUD, Muse, and Foo Fighters.
The festival’s 2024 Australian debut in Melbourne was met with a sold-out crowd and glowing audience feedback. One attendee, Blair, described the experience as “like 10 therapy sessions in one,” noting the importance of feeling safe, powerful, and part of a politically vocal community. “I felt like I came home at LOUD WOMEN,” they said.
Last year’s lineup included underground breakout acts such as Lady Lazarus (Sydney), RATSALAD (Perth), Boudicca (Newcastle), and R.U.B (Melbourne).
LOUD WOMEN’s return comes at a time when gender inequality remains prevalent in Australia’s music scene. In 2024, only two of 17 APRA Award categories were won by female artists, and just 7% of entries in triple j’s Hottest 100 were by female acts. Many Aussie festival lineups remain dominated by male performers, particularly in headline slots.
This December, LOUD WOMEN Fest aims to once again challenge that imbalance by spotlighting diverse talent and creating an inclusive space for artists and audiences alike.
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