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Live Performance Sector

This MU sector is for musicians working in all areas of live performance, such as gigs in pubs, clubs, festivals, busking, hotels, colleges, holiday camps, cruise ships and concert halls. Sector members can also put themselves forward to sit on the Live Performance Advisory Board.

Last updated: 27 January 2026

How are live performing musicians represented?

Live music events represent an increasingly important element of most musicians’ income, as it is an ongoing struggle for musicians to make a fair living from publishing and rights alone, so the work of the Live Performance Sector is vitally important.  

The Live Performance Sector is headed up by Kelly Wood who liaises with the Live Performance Advisory Board and feeds back its key findings to the Executive Committee, as well as being on hand for the 12,000 strong MU members who perform live.

Join the Live Performance Sector

What does the Live Performance Advisory Board do?

The Live Performance Advisory Board helps to shape MU policy on a wide range of topics concerning musicians in the live industry, such as international touring issues, festivals, emerging artists, working with featured artists, working in small venues, local government planning policy, street busking, vehicle parking in city centres, and sexual harassment in the live performance sector.  

Our Advisory Board is keen to press for equal opportunities and high standards of employment for everyone.

If you are a MU member who is working as live performer and are willing to help us affect change for good, get in touch or find out more.

The MU Members’ Assembly brings together members from every committee and network in the Union to explore the big issues affecting musicians from diverse perspectives.

Learn more

Live news and features

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Second Phase of UK Artist Touring Fund Opens with £300,000 Boost

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Published: 03 September 2026

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Published: 25 August 2026

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