skip to main content

Performance in Parliament Square to Highlight Needs of Freelance Musicians

On Tuesday 6 October, at 12:00 pm, 400 freelance professional musicians will be performing a short extract from Holst’s “Mars,” in Parliament Square – shining a light on the need for targeted support for freelance musicians.

Published: 05 October 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Panoramic photograph of Parliament Square as the sun sets.
We strongly urge the Government to recognise the unique situation that our members are in, and to provide sector specific financial support for musicians. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Conducted by renowned director David Hill in Parliament Square, the freelance musicians will perform a short section of “Mars,” from Holst’s “The Planets,” before standing in silence for two minutes. The 20% of the piece that they will perform represents the maximum 20% support that freelancers can receive from the Government through the newest version of the SEISS grant.

The event will be Covid-19 safe and adhere strictly to social distancing regulations.

Our General Secretary, Horace Trubridge, commented:

“We appreciate all the Government has done to support our members through the furlough and self-employment income support schemes so far, but they must not abandon musicians now…We strongly urge the Government to recognise the unique situation that our members are in, and to provide sector specific financial support for musicians.”

We will be reporting on the event as it happens via our Twitter channel. Later the same day, Horace will be speaking to the Lords Economic Affairs Committee, which you can watch live on Parliament TV online from 4:00 pm.

Take action now

Join our urgent call to the Government to do more, in order to safeguard the future of the UK’s music culture and industry – ask your MP to make your voice heard in Parliament.

You can use our template letter if you’re not sure what to say. Remember to include how you are affected too – personal stories make all the difference.

Write to your MP now.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Sticky note with human head and green cross icon, representing health and wellness.

Life Support: How BAPAM Supports Artists and Why the MU Proudly Backs its Work

A life in the arts often brings physical or psychological challenges, but BAPAM can offer vital support. Trustee and MU National Organiser for Education, Health and Wellbeing Chris Walters explains why the union is proud to champion its work and how its services can benefit members.

Published: 04 December 2025

Read more about Life Support: How BAPAM Supports Artists and Why the MU Proudly Backs its Work
Flags of the United Kingdom and the European Union next to each other.

Organisations from Across UK and Europe Join Forces to Remove Barriers to Touring and Drive Growth

A new UK–EU Cultural Exchange Coalition has launched today, uniting the MU and major creative organisations to push for removing post-Brexit touring barriers. The alliance seeks to turn political promises on cultural exchange into action supporting artists and renewing collaboration.

Published: 03 December 2025

Read more about Organisations from Across UK and Europe Join Forces to Remove Barriers to Touring and Drive Growth
An aerial view of Derry in Northern Ireland.

MU to Attend NW Music Makers Forum in Derry

Members are invited to join the MU in attending the NW Music Makers Forum in Derry to discuss collaborative support for the live music sector. Taking place on Friday 12 December 2025.

Published: 02 December 2025

Read more about MU to Attend NW Music Makers Forum in Derry