skip to main content

Indoor Performances in England Can Continue Under New Restrictions

The MU has been seeking to clarify the new rules for England in the past 24 hours. We’ve had confirmation that indoor performances in Covid-19 secure venues will be able to continue, but are awaiting further information.

Published: 10 September 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Photograph of a musician playing a flute in a concert like setting, blurred in the background is a score on a stand and a number of other scores behind.
We have been assured that full guidance and a list of exemptions will be published before Monday. Photo credit: Shutterstock

We have received confirmation from DCMS that the new rules won't impact performers in Covid-19 secure venues like gig venues, concert halls and pubs if they are following published guidance, but test and tracing will be mandatory.

In Scotland, the limits are being reduced to a maximum of six people from two households from Monday, we're waiting for further clarification on how this will affect musicians. Unlike England, children under 12 will not be included. Wales and Northern Ireland have not announced any changes but restrictions are under discussion.

The six-person restriction will not apply to bands, choirs and other groupings of professional musicians taking part in planned Covid-19 secure performances and rehearsals. We are awaiting further clarification on how amateur groups and choirs may still be impacted.

We have been assured that full guidance and a list of exemptions will be published before Monday and we will of course let members know as and when that has happened, keep an eye on our twitter channel and our regular Covid-19 update emails.

Let us know what questions you want answers to

In the mean time we are gathering any questions that you might have to inform a new FAQ section next week. Let us know what questions you’d like to ask and we’ll try our best to cover them when we have more information, either by adding to our thread on twitter or emailing twitter@theMU.org

Pressure the Government to act now and protect musicians

Despite constant pressure from the MU, the Government’s response to the issues that the coronavirus pandemic is causing for our members remains woefully inadequate.

Help us make the case to the Government for vital financial assistance for musicians by completing our new survey.

It takes less than two minutes to respond and will help us make the case for the Government. Don't forget to share it!

Take our brief survey now.

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

Back shot of a busker, performing in front of a small crowd in London.

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

The MU calls on Westminster City Council to appeal a court ruling which classifies busking in Leicester Square as a "statutory nuisance." The judgment unfairly targets those already following the licensing scheme, and threatens both musicians' livelihoods and the future of street entertainment.

Published: 03 April 2025

Read more about MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square
Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Back for its fourth year, the Musicians’ Mental Month campaign runs throughout April and features collaborative advice, coaching and workshops from the MU, YCAT, Tonic Rider and BAPAM. This year’s theme will focus on coping strategies.

Published: 01 April 2025

Read more about MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025
A young, Black female musician, playing electric guitar in a recording studio.

Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players

How can the music industry fix streaming for session players and ensure that all artists get fair pay from music streaming? Musicians’ Union (MU) General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains...

Published: 28 March 2025

Read more about Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players