Calling all female musicians and creatives for an evening of networking and industry talks. We’re holding a special, female-only International Women’s Day Bunker Social. A space for female-identifying musicians, artists, photographers, videographers and more to share stories, experiences and skills with one another.

We’ll also have an all-female panel giving their takes on the music industry as it is today. Our panel will consist of:

Kate Lowes – Director of Brighter Sound
Kayleigh Hall – Artist, teacher and project lead
Samantha Seth – Vocalist, composer and session musician

Please note, no tickets are required.

Kate Lowes

Kate Lowes is the Director of Brighter Sound a Manchester-based music development organisation, driven by social impact. In addition to a year-round programme of projects and events Brighter Sound are the sector lead for Manchester Music City, hosts for WOMEX 2024, and lead partners for the BRITS Fringe 2026.

Kate has worked in music for over 20 years and is committed to creating change around access, equity, and representation in music. Her PhD has a focus on the gender gap in the British Music industry.

Kate is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the Greater Manchester Music Commission and also sits on the strategic board for the Greater Manchester Music Education Hub.

Kayleigh Hall

Kayleigh Hall is an introspective acoustic singer-songwriter from Rossendale, known for her heartfelt, original compositions and emotionally rich performances. Her music is rooted in honesty, vulnerability and careful storytelling, captivating audiences with its depth and sincerity.

Alongside her work as a performing artist, Kayleigh is a dedicated singing and guitar teacher, supporting students of all ages in developing their confidence, creativity and technical ability. She is also Co-Director of the Northern Music Project and founder of the Women in Music Project Rossendale, where she creates workshops, networking spaces and collaborative opportunities designed to bring women together to connect, create and thrive within the music industry.

Through both her artistry and community work, Kayleigh is passionate about nurturing inclusive spaces and empowering others to find and use their voice.

Samantha Seth

Sam is a singer-songwriter from Coatbridge in Scotland but now based in Manchester. She has been praised for her powerful, soulful and emotive delivery on stage, performing with established names in the indie world and now embarking on her own solo career. She started writing and performing at a young age by writing a song for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest and singing for the Dalai Lama. After studying Music & Production at Salford Uni, she entered Manchester’s music scene, supporting Cory Wong under her own name at Band On The Wall. She began her professional career as a session musician, providing top lines for DJs such as Jason Herd and backing vocals for bands such as Reverend & The Makers and Blossoms. This culminated with joining Shed Seven, leading their ‘Shed Seven Choir’ at three headline shows, Glastonbury and Transmt festivals. Retaining her passion for writing and singing original music, she has come full circle, releasing her debut single “Easy Without Me” in late 2025.