skip to main content

Government Insurance for Music Festivals a Possibility

In welcome news, Minister for Culture Caroline Dineage confirmed that she is “looking into” possible insurance for music festivals, which would allow them to plan for summer 2021.

Published: 19 January 2021 | 3:43 PM Updated: 02 August 2023 | 1:08 PM
Black and white photograph from backstage at a festival. We can see a number of musicians playing on stage from behind, and a large outdoor audience facing inwards.
The MU very much welcomes this news and we hope that an insurance scheme can be arranged as soon as possible. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Minister for Culture Caroline Dinenage confirmed in parliament today that she was in discussion with the Treasury over possible COVID-19 insurance to allow music festivals to plan for summer 2021 without the fear of losing substantial amounts of money.

Her statement came in answer to a question by Julian Knight MP, Chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.

The MU very much welcomes this news and we hope that an insurance scheme can be arranged as soon as possible.

The DCMS Select Committee is currently running an inquiry into festivals and the MU has submitted evidence on behalf of members.

Scores of you have taken to social media to share your stories, and show the Government just how much goes into what you do.

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

Close up of a large, red, closed theatre safety curtain, lit up by stage lights.

Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification

Concerns have been raised about how new Right to Work requirements could affect musicians who arrange deputies or substitutes to perform on their behalf. The MU is urgently investigating the implications and will provide further guidance as soon as possible.

Published: 18 September 2026

Read more about Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification
A birds eye view of an online music lesson. A person sits at a keyboard in front of a phone on a stand, and an open laptop.

Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education

Originally written for Music Teacher magazine, Dr Anna Bull explores why safeguarding is about more than policies and procedures, and how empowering young people to find their voice can help create safer music education, as set out in the MU’s Experiences of Harm and Risk in Music Education Guide.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education
Shot from behind of someone in a cap sat working at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey

UK Music is inviting people working across the music industry to take part in its Workforce Diversity Survey, which aims to identify where further improvements are needed and highlight where positive change is already taking place.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey