ORGANISERS of the TRNSMT music festival have defended the lack of female acts in this year’s line-up, admitting it will be “a while” until there is a 50/50 gender balance.

Festival director Geoff Ellis claimed there are “far, far less female artists” than males, adding that we need “more females picking up guitars”.

Opinion was divided on this year’s line-up, which will see Lewis Capaldi and Liam Gallagher return to Glasgow Green.

They are being joined by the likes of Sam Fender, Blossoms, Foals and Aitch.

Glasgow Times: Lewis Capaldi, Courteeners and Liam Gallagher will headline TRNSMTLewis Capaldi, Courteeners and Liam Gallagher will headline TRNSMT

READ MORE: TRNSMT 2020: Courteeners, Liam Gallagher and Lewis Capaldi to headline Glasgow Green festival

But many on Twitter took to point out the lack of female artists – with Rita Ora and Little Simz the only one announced so far.

One user, Catriona Donald, wrote: “The TRNSMT line-up proves once again that the organisers didn't listen to a word anyone said last year if the fact that there isn't one female headliner again is anything to go by.”

Stuart Aitken added: “Remember when TRNSMT barely had any female headliners in 2019?

“You’d think they would be smart enough to not make the same mistake again.”

And @rrrross4 said: “TRNSMT once again proving they’re the worst festival for showcasing new and different artists.

“2/12 acts being female and poc [person of colour] is awful for 2020”.

Glasgow Times: Geoff Ellis says there are "far, far less" female artists than maleGeoff Ellis says there are "far, far less" female artists than male

But not everyone was complaining.

Scott Machlachlan wrote: “TRNSMT line-up is actually very good… idk why people are moaning.

“Who else do you want?”

Ewan Barrett added: “TRNSMT have just redeemed themselves after last year.

“Courteeners on a Friday night and LG on a Saturday night. Wow”.

And Laura Jackson said: “Finally a line up at TRNSMT I would buy tickets for”.

Mr Ellis confirmed that the female-only Queen Tut’s stage will return along with more female acts being announced before the summer.

He said: "We'd love there to be a higher representation of females but there isn't, certainly on the acts we're announcing today, but it will be a while until there's a 50/50 balance.

"That's definitely several years ahead for any major festival to achieve because there's far, far less female artists.

"We need to get more females picking up guitars, forming bands, playing in bands.

"That's why we're giving that platform to help more females see that kind of opportunity because you do get more of a drop-off at a grass roots level and there's less female artists around."

He added: "It's not just about booking more female acts because if there's less of them then there's less of them to go round all the festivals.

"But there's definitely more to come - they're just not over the line yet.”