Greater Manchester Fringe Festival is redressing the balance in July.
When it comes to criticism that theatre and the arts is male, middle class and white GMFringe is putting together a programme of creative shows reflecting all walks of life.
Festival director Zena Barrie, who runs the fringe with Lisa Conner and Iain Scott, said: “when you look at other festivals you often notice that women are given the daytime or teatime slots, and rarely top the bill.
“We are giving creative women headlining slots. This is not tokenism. It is equality. We also have working class writers and performers from the north west and around the world.”
The GMFringe first took place in 2012 with six different venues and a variety of shows in each. The venues change each year and more are constantly being added.
It has attracted rave reviews for its varied programme of both well known artists trying out their Edinburgh previews, such as Phill Jupitus, and new and emerging talent.