11 Mar Celebrating International Women’s Day at 229 London
Featuring We Hate You Please Die, The Menstrual Cramps & ELI
International Women’s Day is all about celebrating progress while pushing for more change, and what better way to do that than with a night of electrifying live music? On March 14th, 229 London is hosting a diverse lineup featuring We Hate You Please Die, The Menstrual Cramps, and ELI. It will be a showcase of fierce, unapologetic, and boundary-pushing talent.
I caught up with Laurie, the Assistant Venue Manager at 229, to talk about the importance of International Women’s Day, the role of grassroots music venues, and why this gig matters.
229 London’s Commitment to International Women’s Day
As part of its ongoing ‘At 229’ event series, which has previously included Pride and Halloween celebrations, 229 London is turning its focus to International Women’s Day. Recognising the importance of representation in live music, the venue saw this gig as an opportunity to champion diverse talent and bring an energised, inclusive crowd together for a night of powerful performances.
Supporting Women & Non-Binary Musicians in the Industry
Grassroots music venues play a huge role in shaping the music industry. They’re the spaces where new artists cut their teeth, where future headliners first step onto a stage. But historically, these spaces haven’t always been the most welcoming for women and non-binary musicians.
So, how does 229 London work to change that?
“Both myself and our venue manager Ben are musicians too, so we have a unique view on how important it is for venues to support artists. We are committed to working with and welcoming female, non-binary, trans, queer, and other groups to 229; from promoters, staff, and performers to audiences,” explains Laurie.
“I think in a time where in America, DEI policies are literally being scrapped, it’s more important than ever for us to stay true to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion when making decisions on booking, and who we work with and welcome into the venue.”
The Role of The Music Venue Trust & The Fight to Keep Grassroots Venues Alive
The Music Venue Trust (MVT) has highlighted the alarming rate at which grassroots music venues are closing, with over 100 shutting down each year in the UK. Their efforts to raise awareness and share these statistics with the public play a crucial role in advocating for the survival and support of grassroots venues.
“From the outside, the live events industry probably looks like it’s doing fine with huge Taylor Swift and Oasis tours, for example, but the problem is there is less of a pipeline to create new artists who will become the next megastars,” Laurie says.
“Opening the conversation about how grassroots venues and musicians survive is key—so take a chance and go to a grassroots music show! We are proud to have been recognised by receiving MVT’s Outstanding Contribution to Grassroots Music Award 2024.”
The 229 team, Ben, Laurie, and Stuart, proudly received the Music Venue Trust’s Outstanding Contribution to Grassroots Music Award 2024.
Breaking Down Barriers for Women in Live Music
When it comes to making real change, representation is everything. Young highlights how 229 is actively working to create space for women on and off the stage.
“Booking women on lineups that would historically have no women on them, having women working in venues, booking, and tech roles. I like to think that my presence in the venue is hopefully breaking stereotypes and barriers for other women to do the same… and making those who are cynical of women being in these roles think about their out-of-date views! We also have a brilliant trio of women supervising our bars (big ups Kasia, Rhianne, and Roxana!)”
A Safe & Inclusive Space for All
229 has been taking steps to improve inclusivity and security, including introducing ‘Ask For Angela’, a scheme designed to help people out of uncomfortable or unsafe situations.
“We have a good security presence in the venues and a friendly, multicultural staff who make 229 feel like a safe and inclusive space. I recently updated our Access Policy, which has also been important in creating a more inclusive feel to the venues. We’re proud to have worked with industry leader Attitude is Everything on this,” Laurie shares.
Attitude is Everything is a London-based charity dedicated to improving accessibility and inclusion for Deaf and disabled people in live music and events. By working closely with venues, promoters, and artists, they help create more welcoming and inclusive spaces for everyone to enjoy live performances.
Creating a welcoming venue isn’t just about the lineups—it’s about ensuring everyone feels safe. Guests can go to the bar and ‘Ask For Angela’ if they are ever feeling unsafe.
Meet the Line-Up
We Hate You Please Die
“Inspired by the riot grrrl genre of the 90s, We Hate You Please Die are a new generation of musicians and songwriters. They’re fresh and energetic; the perfect band to welcome a fresh, energetic crowd into the venue.”
The Menstrual Cramps
“I think having a band called The Menstrual Cramps on an International Women’s Day gig is both self-explanatory and very funny. They’re noisemakers in the industry. Why not welcome feminine and non-binary rage (and joy!) into the mix on International Women’s Day?”
ELI
“A versatile artist from South London who brings anything from soulful ballads to electrifying anthems. She blends alt, indie, soul, and Afro-pop genres together. I’m interested in diversifying genres on our lineups, and I’m confident the audience expecting a rockier-style show will love Eli’s performance.”
The Bigger Picture: Why This Gig Matters
229 isn’t just putting on a gig; it’s part of a bigger movement. A movement that pushes for more diverse lineups, amplifies underrepresented voices, and keeps grassroots music venues thriving.
“By having this mini-series of ‘At 229’ shows throughout the year, I hope we can stud the general grassroots music calendar with some reliably eclectic, interesting, and unique gigs—both for artists and audiences. We hope this show will be seen as a celebration of women in music but also galvanise us for the work that still needs to happen,” says Laurie.
Join Us at 229 for International Women’s Day
If you’re passionate about supporting grassroots music, diverse line-ups, and celebrating women in music, March 14th at 229 London is where you need to be.
If you can’t make it to this event, 229 has more in store for you. The venue is also hosting Smells Like Queer Spirit on March 15th, Webmoms with Eve Buckley on April 22nd, and BIIRD (a new Irish trad supergroup) on May 25th.
“Diverse lineups attracts diverse audiences, and welcoming all groups into our venue is of utmost importance to us and the longevity of our grassroots music venue. 100% of the profit made by 229 goes directly back to support International Students House’s mission. Thank you for supporting grassroots music, venues, and our students. Check out the 229 programme,” says Laurie.
See you at the show!