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Boost Your Career With Fair Play on Tour Event Series Taking Over Grassroots Venues Across the UK

Learn how to protect your rights and your wellbeing with the MU's series of events and masterclasses, taking place in independent Fair Play Venues across all four nations of the UK.

Published: 09 August 2023 | 10:00 AM Updated: 08 September 2023 | 5:42 PM
Crowd with raised hands in front of small stage for a live performance. Dimly lit with purple stage lights.
All of the events in this series will take place within one of the MU’s Fair Play Venues. Image credit: Shutterstock.

This autumn the MU will be hosting a range of live-themed events across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Each event is different and will look at varying aspects of the live sector, for example: getting the most from your gigs; looking after your health and well-being; external masterclasses with industry experts and more.

As well as live performances from local musicians, this is also an opportunity for attendees to network with other members.

Fair Play Venues

All of the events in this series will take place within one of the MU’s Fair Play Venues.

A Fair Play Venue is an independent, grassroots music venue, which has declared its support for the fair treatment of musicians and its opposition to pay-to-play and unfair ticketing deals by signing up to the Fair Play Scheme.

Book your place

  • Belfast 

At the Oh Yeah, 14 September - The MU Live Sessions at the Oh Yeah, Belfast. An informative Q&A on gigging and navigating the live industry. The panellists include Charlene Hegarty (UK Music Futures Board Member), Katie Richardson (Hex Hue) and Hannah Gibson (Engagement Officer at Help Musicians). The event will also feature special performances from Hex Hue and ROE.

Whether you're a member or not, you're welcome to be part of this event so do feel free to bring along friends and family.

  • Bristol

At the Exchange, 23 September - Health and Wellbeing in Live Music Panel Discussion with drinks and networking (this runs as part of the WSWE Member's Day and Regional AGM). Panellists include musician Tumi Williams, Isie Potter (Changing Tunes and Seed Sessions) and Carly Heath (Bristol Night Time Economy Advisor), chaired by MU Live, Theatre and Music Writers Official Nat Witts-Kilshaw.

  • Birmingham

At the The Tower of Song, 24 September - ‘The Genius of John Bonham’ Percussion Clinic. Learn about the four major drum grooves of the legendary John Bonham in this event with Matt Green from the Palace Drum Clinic.

  • Glasgow

At Mono, 10 October - The MU Live Sessions at Mono, Glasgow. An informative Q&A on gigging and navigating the live industry. Confirmed panellists include musicians Dave Arcari and Kapil Seshasayee, with more to be announced. Dave and Kapil will also be performing later in the evening.

  • Cardiff

At Clwb Ifor Bach, 16 October - Fair Play on Tour: Health and Wellbeing in Live Music, Cardiff. Join us in Cardiff for a panel discussion on health and wellbeing in live music and an update on the MU’s work, along with a chance to network with others. All musicians are welcome to be part of this event.

  • Cambridge

At The Portland Arms, 17 October - Getting the Most from Your Gigs. Learn how to have a successful live performance with the MU and PRS in an evening of discussion and advice, for bands and solo artists.

  • London

At The Bedford, 13 November - Fair Play on Tour: Navigating the Live Industry, Balham. Join a Q&A on gigging and navigating the live industry, followed by performances from local artists. All London members are welcome to be part of this event.

  • Birkenhead

Save the date for this event taking place at Future Yard Birkenhead on 21 November, which will feature two panel discussions on touring sustainably, as well as live performances from local musicians. More information to follow soon. 

Please check each individual event listing via the link for more information, including how to let us know of any accessibility requirements (some events are member only and may require your MU log-in to access the page to book your place).

Look out for more dates coming soon. Opt into MU events emails to find out more and check our events page for new releases.

Get involved with live performance issues across the UK

The MU is a democratic organisation and we are always looking for new voices within our member community.

Be a changemaker

Have your say on live performance issues across the UK, such as international touring issues, festivals, street busking, parking in city centres, and sexual harassment.  

If you are a live performer, gigging musician in a band or a busker, join our Live Performance Section or a Section Commitee.

Learn more

Get involved with live performance issues across the UK

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