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When asked about the most punk gesture she's ever pulled off, Cathy Loughead answers without pause: “I performed with my neck injured in two locations. Not able to move freely, so I bedazzled the brace instead. That show was incredible.”

Cathy is a member of a expanding wave of women redefining punk music. Although a recent television drama focusing on female punk premieres this Sunday, it reflects a scene already thriving well beyond the screen.

The Leicester Catalyst

This energy is most intense in Leicester, where a recent initiative – currently known as the Riotous Collective – set things off. She joined in from the beginning.

“When we started, there were no all-women garage punk bands in the area. By the following year, there were seven. Now there are 20 – and growing,” she explained. “Riotous chapters exist around the United Kingdom and worldwide, from Finland to Australia, producing music, playing shows, taking part in festivals.”

This explosion isn't limited to Leicester. Across the UK, women are reclaiming punk – and transforming the scene of live music in the process.

Rejuvenating Performance Spaces

“Various performance spaces throughout Britain thriving because of women punk bands,” said Loughead. “So are rehearsal studios, music instruction and mentoring, studio environments. The reason is women are occupying these positions now.”

They're also changing the crowd demographics. “Women-led bands are performing weekly. They draw wider audience variety – ones that see these spaces as secure, as intended for them,” she remarked.

A Movement Born of Protest

An industry expert, programme director at Youth Music, stated the growth was expected. “Women have been sold a dream of equality. Yet, misogynistic aggression is at alarming rates, the far right are exploiting females to spread intolerance, and we're deceived over topics such as menopause. Women are fighting back – through music.”

A music venue advocate, from the Music Venue Trust, notes the phenomenon altering regional performance cultures. “We're seeing broader punk communities and they're feeding into regional music systems, with independent spaces programming varied acts and creating more secure, friendlier places.”

Entering the Mainstream

Later this month, Leicester will host the debut Riot Fest, a three-day event showcasing 25 female-only groups from the UK and Europe. In September, a London festival in London celebrated punks of colour.

This movement is gaining mainstream traction. The Nova Twins are on their maiden headline tour. Another rising group's debut album, their record name, hit No. 16 in the UK charts recently.

Panic Shack were in the running for the 2025 Welsh Music Prize. Another act won the Northern Ireland Music Prize in recently. A band from Hull Wench performed at a notable festival at Reading Festival.

It's a movement originating from defiance. Within a sector still plagued by sexism – where female-only bands remain lacking presence and music spots are closing at crisis levels – female punk artists are creating something radical: a platform.

No Age Limit

At 79, Viv Peto is proof that punk has no seniority barrier. The Oxford-based musician in horMones punk band started playing only twelve months back.

“As an older person, all constraints are gone and I can do what I like,” she said. A track she recently wrote includes the chorus: “So scream, ‘Who cares’/ Now is my chance!/ I own the stage!/ I'm 79 / And in my fucking prime.”

“I appreciate this influx of older female punks,” she said. “I didn't get to rebel during my early years, so I'm doing it now. It's great.”

Kala Subbuswamy from the Marlinas also mentioned she was prevented to rebel as a teenager. “It's been important to finally express myself at my current age.”

Another artist, who has toured globally with different acts, also sees it as catharsis. “It involves expelling anger: feeling unseen in motherhood, as an older woman.”

The Freedom of Expression

Similar feelings motivated Dina Gajjar to establish a group. “Standing on stage is a liberation you were unaware you lacked. Females are instructed to be obedient. Punk rejects that. It's raucous, it's raw. It means, during difficult times, I think: ‘I'll write a song about that!’”

But Abi Masih, a band member, said the punk woman is every woman: “We are typical, professional, amazing ladies who like challenging norms,” she said.

A band member, of the Folkestone band the band, concurred. “Ladies pioneered punk. We were forced to disrupt to gain attention. We still do! That badassery is part of us – it seems timeless, primal. We're a bloody marvel!” she exclaimed.

Challenging Expectations

Not every band conform to expectations. Julie Ames and Jackie O'Malley, involved in a band, aim to surprise audiences.

“We avoid discussing certain subjects or use profanity often,” noted Julie. O'Malley cut in: “Actually, we include a small rebellious part in every song.” Julie chuckled: “You're right. But we like to keep it interesting. The latest piece was regarding bra discomfort.”