Ellie Goulding criticises male-focused festival line-ups

The singer said 'But then Florence headlined. Things are changing'

Ellie also told the publication: 'Women are starting to speak out' (Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Marriott International & Universal Music Grou)

Ellie Goulding has criticised the lack of female artists who perform at Glastonbury and other music festivals.

During her cover interview for Cosmopolitan’s December issue, the singer said: “I got annoyed when Glastonbury had so many men on the line-up.”

She continued to say: “But then Florence headlined. Things are changing you know? And I love it.”

Florence and the Machine headlined the coveted Friday night slot at the Pyramid Stage after original headliners Foo Fighters were forced to pull out due to an injury sustained by frontman Dave Grohl. The other 2015 headliners were Kanye West and The Who.

A 2014 study by The Telegraph found that male-solo artists make up 24.3 per cent of all festival performers and all-male bands comprise nearly 43 per cent. In comparison female solo artists account for less than 16 per cent of performances and all female bands only 3.5 per cent.

Goulding continued to discuss sexism in the music industry, saying: “I get annoyed when men write degrading songs about women, but women are starting to speak out.”

The 28-year-old previously spoke about the unequal questions put to women in the music industry, compared to men.

After continuously being asked by various sources whether her latest single 'On My Mind' was a reference to rumoured former boyfriend Ed Sheeran, who she has denied dating, she told Cosmopolitan: “If a bloke wrote 'On My Mind' they wouldn’t get questioned, they would just get high fived.”

“Why can’t I write a song about a situation I’ve been in? Without being too blunt, if a woman sleeps with men, or dates men, or has a relationship with a man, it’s frowned on, but a guy can do whatever he wants.”

The Independent has contacted Glastonbury for comment.