Cardiff named as the UK's first 'music city'

Music has been placed at the heart of Cardiff’s future with the Welsh capital being officially declared a Music City - the first of its kind in the UK.

Published: 20 December 2017 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

As a result, work is set to begin to develop a new music strategy which aims to protect Cardiff’s music scene and boost the city’s international profile.

This strategy will see Cardiff leading the way in the UK in assessing the ways in which music can help create the type of city people want to live in.

Paul Gray, MU Regional Organiser for Wales & SW England, says: ‘It is fantastic to see Cardiff Council embrace and recognise the numerous values that live music brings to communities as well as to the night time economy, even going so far as to buy a derelict building next to a long established existing music venues to save it from development. We look forward to working with the Council, Sound Diplomacy and stakeholders to protect and further develop the City’s music scene and hope that this will be the start of Councils around the UK considering similar strategies in the future.’

More details from Wales Online.

See all news

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

Continue reading

A Welsh National Opera orchestra member holding a campaign placard at a demo in Cardiff.

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Musicians Vote to Accept New Agreement

Musicians in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra vote to accept a new agreement, following a year of tough negotiations and months of high-profile campaigning to protect Wales’ largest arts organisation.

Published: 22 April 2025

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

A photo of musicians at a protest in Leicester Square, holding up banner and signs.

MU Protests Against Potential Busking Ban in Leicester Square

The MU and buskers gathered in Leicester Square to mark what could be the last day of busking in the area, following a noise abatement notice from the City of London Magistrates' Court.

Published: 17 April 2025

A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.