The Ferret celebrates International Women's Day with Preston DJ Social collaboration and open deck event
On Sunday March 8, from 3-7pm at The Ferret in Preston, Preston DJ Social will be collaborating with Pink Rizla Riddims, Our House Your House, Preston Pride UK and Elder Emo; teaming up to host a DJ hangout and open deck, celebrating women in the industry.
The free entry event is inviting women DJs from across Lancashire to hang out, make new friends, and play in a safe and supporting space.
Everyone is welcome to attend however the open deck is for women only, with all abilities welcome.
According to a 2024 UK Musicians Cencus, women account for only around 29% of DJs and 24% of producers in the industry with even lower numbers for gender diverse practitioners.
Research examining electronic dance music DJs in Europe found that on average female DJs were paid around 36% less than their male counterparts.
In 2025, women accounted for only 15 DJs in DJ Mag's Top 100, despite performing twice as many gigs on average (23 per year compared to men's 13), suggesting women have to work twice as hard to achieve the same as male DJs.
Between 2012 and 2021 representation in festival line-ups has risen from around 9% to 26.9%, however behind those figures recent statistics from Not Bad For A Girl UK highlight regression in those percentages and male dominated headline slots.
The organisers say: "The event is about sharing experiences, encouraging one another, building support networks and celebrating the journey so far."
"The collaboration hopes the event will act as a showcase and networking event for DJs and organisers in Lancashire to challenge these figures, support women in the industry and inspire more women to start DJing."
Anyone who is interested but hasn't started DJing yet is encouraged to attend the event, which is a welcoming, women centred, transgender inclusive space with reps on hand to answer any questions.
Slots are between 10-30 minutes depending on attendance. Sign up on the day - opening DJs are yet to be announced.
The set up includes two AlphaTheta 3000X decks and a DJM-A9 mixer, DJs are to make sure their USB is synced with software Rekordbox 6.8.2 or higher to ensure compatibility.