Boudica's Ball @ Oran Mor

As the eponymous Celtic queen led her forces against the Romans so Collette McKendrick rallies her fellow female musicians to make a stand against the patriarchal oppression of the music industry, raising money for Nordoff Robbins in the process. Inspired by Lilith Fair, the benefit allows female Scottish songwriters a chance to reach a larger, receptive audience: in a time when the old women in rock clichés are making a resurgence, this event takes a different path to Ladyfest's punk orientation. These noble intentions, fortunately, do not result in lectures and guilt trips. Instead the assembled crowd are treated to a showcase of some of the most talented female performers the country has to offer, demonstrating the diversity of Celtic voices modern Scotland has hidden up its sleeve. Highlights include McKendrick's own Imogen Heap-esque turn, for which she is joined by fellow performer Laura Healy; and Sisa's resplendent closing set which has every woman (and man) in attendance shaking their hips. [Taliska Burgess]