May Day Marches in the North of England

Members are encouraged to join a May Day March, where trade unionists and the labour movement will come together to celebrate efforts to improve workers’ rights.

Published: 30 April 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

Photograph of different trade union banners being held aloft — Trade Union banners on a march. Photograph: Musicians' Union

May Day marches will be taking place across the UK. Two events which members are encouraged to attend in the North of England are taking place in Tyne & Wear and Manchester.

Tyne and Wear May Day March and Rally

When: Saturday 4 May 2019

Assemble: 11:00 am, Exhibition Park Bandstand, Newcastle NE2 4PZ

March off: 11:30 am

Rally: 12:00 pm, Grey’s Monument, Newcastle NE1 5AF

Manchester May Day March and Rally

When: Sunday 5 May

Assemble: 11:00 am, All Saints Park, Manchester M15 6BH

Rally and sessions: From 1:00 pm, Mechanics Institute, Manchester M1 6DD

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 musician in a recording studio sitting in front of a computer with a keyboard next to him.

Sign the Petition for Fair Work in Scotland’s Creative Industries

With Scotland’s elections fast approaching, we’re calling on musicians to help secure real change by signing the petition for Fair Work across the nation’s creative industries.

Published: 02 April 2026

A crowd of protesters at a march. In the middle are matching placard held up that say

MU at Together Alliance March 2026: Largest Anti-Far Right March in UK History

MU members joined thousands who gathered in London on 28 March for the Together Alliance demonstration, in a powerful display of solidarity and resistance to the far right.

Published: 02 April 2026

Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Marks Musicians' Mental Health Month for Fifth Year with Focus on Imposter Syndrome

YCAT's annual Musicians’ Mental Health Month returns this April with a focus on imposter syndrome, offering free coaching, therapy and resources for musicians in partnership with the Musicians’ Union and leading health organisations.

Published: 02 April 2026

Commercial Court in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Pictured are historic pubs down a cobbled street, and a set of murals and decorated dangling umbrellas.

MU Backs Free The Night Campaign for Licensing Reform in Northern Ireland

MU members are being urged to sign an open letter supporting the Free The Night campaign, which is calling for reform of Northern Ireland’s restrictive licensing system.

Published: 01 April 2026

UK Music Report Reveals Economic Power of Black Music

Black music is a major cultural and economic force, driving innovation and powering most of the UK music market, according to new research by UK Music. The study also outlines eight actions to tackle ongoing inequalities in the industry.

Published: 30 March 2026

All news and features

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

May Day Marches in the North of England

Tyne and Wear May Day March and Rally

Manchester May Day March and Rally

Get MU membership today

Explore our member services

Continue reading

Sign the Petition for Fair Work in Scotland’s Creative Industries

MU at Together Alliance March 2026: Largest Anti-Far Right March in UK History

MU Marks Musicians' Mental Health Month for Fifth Year with Focus on Imposter Syndrome

MU Backs Free The Night Campaign for Licensing Reform in Northern Ireland

UK Music Report Reveals Economic Power of Black Music