Stayfree Music
"After COVID, like many non-essential services, business at Stayfree Music was slow to pick up. That changed when Ruth started the Unglamorous workshops. Before then, I would see the occasional female band member at Stayfree, but usually I could go for days without seeing another woman. Now, there's at least one, often two all-female bands booked into Stayfree for practice and rehearsals every day. The whole atmosphere has changed, for the better! Our male customers have noticed the difference too, and they've been really on-board and encouraging of the whole project."
- Caroline McLavy, Director of Stayfree Music
The Soundhouse
"When Ruth Miller organised the Unglamorous Project , we at The Soundhouse Leicester couldn't believe how quick it took off and how successful it became and still is. A group of ladies tired of standing at the back of venues became LIBERATED, saying ‘we can do this !!!’ and formed their own bands. Under Ruth Miller’s guidance they gained confidence, and The Unglamorous Project has gone from strength to strength.
The Soundhouse Leicester experienced The Unglamorous when the Verinos played their first ever gig at the venue October 2021. Since then the Unglamorous crew have been regular visitors at The Soundhouse Leicester. Always a good show and good fun.
Ruth Miller’s Legacy lives on.... She would be proud."
- Sue
Duffy’s Bar
"I remember there being a group of women in the bar one night and we got to talking about making music and that playing instruments should be a thing accessible to all, fun and free – this was the moment that Ruth Miller became a woman that I would come to admire, respect and, most importantly, do what she said – when she said it. People often talk about pubs being at the centre of community,. The Unglamorous movement is testimony to that. I honestly can’t express how much joy seeing this bunch of beautiful women come together, pumping out tune after tune on our stage brought me – I was an instant fan.
I feel honoured to have been there at the beginning of this musical revolution, but of course, all great revolutions need a revolutionary and that was Ruth. She made it possible for women, some of whom would NEVER have dreamt of standing on a stage, playing an instrument that they only ever saw played by others, to get up there, believe in themselves and in turn, inspire others to do the same. What courage that took for her and what faith that took for others to follow her call. Ruth Miller will forever be locked in the musical tapestry of Leicester, she will forever be the woman that no one said no too, ‘cause let’s face it, she was always right……Slainte."
- Jackie, Duffy’s
Firebug
"At my first experience of Unglamorous at Duffy's bar on International Women's Day, 2022 I was overwhelmed by how supportive all these women were and how much energy and enthusiasm they had!
In 2023 asked if they could host their event at Firebug I didn't hesitate to say yes. The project had grown to such an extent we decided to put the gig on downstairs in the main bar, I have never seen so many smiling faces, the energy in the building was incredible. As people left, they were gushing about what they had experienced. In 2024, we gave over the whole building to the event. It was a celebration of Ruth and the amazing legacy she has left behind. These women and the thing that Ruth created are unstoppable, our diary is full of events that the Unglamorous bands continue to put on, all of them full of the same energy, passion and joy that Ruth gave them. Leicester, Firebug and I am changed forever."
- Kat, Firebug
Attenborough Arts Centre
“The Unglamorous Project in Leicester, led by Ruth Miller, is a remarkable example of grassroots activism making a substantial impact. Her work has been instrumental in improving the lives of many Leicester residents. Her work in Leicester serves as a powerful reminder that real impact is measured by the positive changes in people’s lives. Unglamorous has had such a hugely positive impact on so many, Ruth’s legacy will continue."
- John Kirkby AAC
The Real Ale Classroom
"Having been an active member of the Leicester music scene for a while now, I feel that the impact of Unglamorous has been immense. It has revitalised the gig scene and brought a new sense of community to venues - not to mention that I personally feel safer attending gigs knowing that there's a strong likelihood that my Unglam friends might be there or be performing.
I spent a little time working with Ruth and am proud to have been a tiny, tiny part of the amazing work she did along with everyone else involved. As the person now responsible for booking gigs at the Classroom, I always look forward to gigs with Unglam bands and hope to continue promoting phenomenal and badass women performing here for a long time to come."
- Nuala, Real Ale Classroom
Upstairs at the Western
"UATW was set up as a charity to provide theatre for the local community, specifically to support and promote arts (performance and writing) for women and non-binary people. In that respect Unglamorous fitted the bill perfectly. At a time when audience numbers were declining, the two Unglamorous Workshops were filled to the rafters. More than a few current Unglams were recruited at those events, Ruth was inspiring!"
- Peta Carlino, Director of Upstairs at the Western