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.

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.