Music / International Women's Day
International Women’s Day event “a huge step forward” for The ALICE Project
Ahead of the day of events celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) in collaboration with Bristol24/7, ALICE Project and Bristol Culture, Bristol24/7 will be platforming some of the people participating and making things happen behind the scenes.
Following on from the discussion with artist A for Alpha, who will be performing, this week we spoke with ALICE Project founder Leonor Guimaraes and member and resident DJ Helena Larrosa on the importance of the event and how this is a “milestone” for the gender equality initiative.
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How did the ALICE Project come to life?
Leo: “The idea for the ALICE Project was born from my master’s dissertation in Event Management at the University of the West of England. Instead of writing a theoretical paper, I wanted to create something practical and meaningful.
“Growing up with a single mother, I was deeply influenced by her strength and the values she instilled in me—being independent, fighting for our rights and making sure our voices are heard as women in a male-dominated world.
“At the same time, I have always believed in the power of the arts to inspire change and shift mindsets. I thought, why not merge my passions, women’s empowerment and the arts?”
Leo is also the Events Manager at Bristol24/7 – photo: Leonor Guimaraes
How does the ALICE Project connect with the local community and what impact has it had on the city so far?
Leo: “Change begins in our communities and then expands outward. Bristol, with its vibrant creative scene, is the perfect place for this. There’s always something happening—so many artists, musicians, and creators working on incredible projects.
“For me, working with the local community means providing a platform for these artists to grow and be heard. In return, I’ve learned so much from them—it’s truly a two-way exchange. I give them a stage, and they give me knowledge and inspiration.
“It’s been incredible to see how ALICE Project has fostered collaborations. I know of projects that were born from networking at ALICE events, and ideas that took shape after discussions on our panels.”
Helena: “For me, I didn’t know much about Bristol before moving here, but I quickly realised how vibrant the music scene is.
“I originally started DJing as a hobby back in Spain, but in Bristol, I met so many people who were actively organising events and giving opportunities to new DJs.
“They welcomed me into the scene, allowing me to play at their parties, even though I was still quite new to it all. Step by step, I started to grow and gain more confidence as a DJ.”
Helena Larrosa is a Spanish DJ who moved to Bristol five years ago – photo: The ALICE Project
What are some of the challenges and opportunities of being part of the Bristol music scene today?
Helena: “One of the main challenges is that Bristol’s nightlife has been struggling recently. It’s becoming harder to secure gigs that are truly exciting because a lot of venues are closing down or facing restrictions.
“Another challenge is the sheer number of DJs in the city. Bristol has such a big scene that it’s very competitive—almost everyone I know here is a DJ!
“So, while it’s amazing to be surrounded by so much talent, it also means that getting noticed and securing gigs can be tough.
“On the other hand, there are plenty of opportunities. Because the scene is so strong, there are always people looking to collaborate.”
How do independent collectives and grassroots events contribute to shaping this identity?
Helena: “Bristol’s DIY culture is one of the things that makes it so special. You don’t need a massive budget or a fancy venue to throw a great party.
“Most venues already have the equipment you need, so just carry your USB stick with you. If you’re friendly and open, you’d be surprised how easily you can end up with a gig.
“Here, you can have a rave in the middle of the street with a half-broken sound system and people will still show up just for the music and the vibes.”
What can we expect from the IWD event and ALICE Project in 2025?
Leo: “This year marks a major milestone for ALICE Project, as we are collaborating with Bristol24/7 and Bristol City Council for the first time for International Women’s Day.
“This partnership is a huge step forward in terms of reaching more people and increasing our impact. People we’ve been trying to connect with for years are now taking notice and wanting to get involved.”
Helena: “Women’s rights should be recognised every day, not just on one specific date. But International Women’s Day is a good opportunity to reflect on the role of women in the music industry.
“I wouldn’t have started DJing if someone hadn’t invited me to play on International Women’s Day because they needed more female DJs on the lineup. That experience gave me the confidence to play in front of people for the first time.
“Unfortunately, many lineups throughout the year are still male-dominated, and promoters only seem to make an effort to book female artists on Women’s Day. While that needs to change, at least these events help highlight the issue and create opportunities for women in the industry.”
Leo: “What I love most about ALICE Project is that it evolves based on the needs of our community. We listen, we adapt, and we act. Our team—now a large group of dedicated volunteers—is always looking for ways to support people who need a platform.
“Last year, we launched a dance group (Dance Collective – Alice Project) and two years ago we started a business renting DJ equipment (ALICEvents – Alice Project) to help founding the project.
“These initiatives help expand our reach and provide even more opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs.
“Our ultimate goal is to be inclusive and work towards true gender equality. That means welcoming everyone—women, men, trans, non-binary individuals—because real change happens when we all move forward together.
“So, our message is simple: if you have a story to tell or a vision to share, come and be part of ALICE Project. Let’s create something meaningful together!”
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Helena Lorrosa will be playing at the Bristol24/7 International Women’s Night party at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, which runs from 6.30pm – 1am on March 8. The first time the museum will open up for an event of this kind, it’s an exclusive opportunity to enjoy a rave in this unique setting.
Also on the bill are dance and circus performances, and shows from A For Alpha, ALICE Project, Bitch, Please! and Pammy. For more information and tickets, visit www.headfirstbristol.co.uk.
Main photo: Helena Larrosa
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