A rock camp for girls and gender non-conforming youth is turning the volume up on the next generation of musicians. 

The non-profit hosted a feminist embroidery fundraiser on International Women’s Day, at the Rutland Arms in Sheffield city centre. Funds raised were used to contribute to camp places for disadvantaged young people, helping increase accessibility to music.

Michelle Baxter, 41, director of Girls+ Rock Sheffield, said: “Our mission is to build confidence and self-esteem in girls and gender non-conforming youth through arts and music programming. 

“Over the course of the programme, participants learn to play an instrument, form bands, write original songs, design merchandise for their band and take to the stage in an end-of-camp showcase.”

The rock camp welcomes youth aged 10-17 who identify as female, non-binary or gender-expansive. 

The fundraiser even offered a ‘low income’ ticket to make the space as ‘accessible and welcoming as possible’, alongside the general admission and extra giving tickets.

All materials were provided, with templates of feminist slogans for participants to embroider. 

Too Damn Loud Festival is donating a portion of their proceeds to the non-profit, to provide more free and reduced cost places for participants.

Jinx Wright, founder of Too Damn Loud Festival, said: “We are fundraising on a day full of incredible bands adjacent to the core morals and beliefs of Girls+ Rock.

“As a female musician myself, I chose them because I felt that if I had that option as a kid, I would have been less naive to the music industry. Girls+ brings everything back down to its core and allows kids to be kids, to explore and create wonderful things together.”

In the upcoming months, pre-registration for the rock camp is strongly advised as places will be limited. 

Ms Baxter said: “Having been on the board of directors at the Montreal Rock Camp for Girls in Canada, I have seen first-hand what a difference the camp made to the girls who participated. It is a joyful, inspiring thing to be part of. 

“I wanted to bring that to Sheffield – a city of great musical history. We deserve to have a cool project like this on our doorstep, and it is really important that we encourage young women in our city to be part of our musical future.”

If you are interested in registering or volunteering for the rock camp, visit their website: https://girlsrocksheffield.co.uk/. You can also stay updated through their Instagram @girlsrock_sheffield .