skip to main content

Meet the MU at The Great Escape Festival 2025

The MU will once again be present at The Great Escape Festival, supporting members and engaging with key industry topics between Wednesday 14 and Friday 16 May in Brighton.

Published: 08 May 2025 | 3:05 PM
Brighton pier at sunrise.
If you’re playing, the MU would love to come along - please get in touch with your gig details. Photo: Shutterstock.

The Great Escape Festival, which celebrates new music, takes place 14 - 17 May in Brighton. Also running alongside the main event is the Great Escape music business conference, which features panels, keynote speakers, industry insights and more (conference only delegate passes are available to purchase separately, as well as in addition to festival tickets).

Naomi Pohl, MU General Secretary, will speak on conference panel  ‘AI, Streaming + The Cost Of Touring Crisis: The Music-Maker Perspective’, hosted by the Council of Music Makers (CMM) and the Association of Independent Music.

The session takes place on Thursday 15 at 10:30am, and will explore how emerging technologies and financial pressures are reshaping the experience of working musicians.

Let us know if you’re playing

MU staff will also be available throughout the festival, connecting with members and attending live shows.

Live, Theatre & Music Writers Official Natalie Witts-Kilshaw, East & South East England Regional Officer Tom Eagle, and London Regional Officers Graham Jackson and Simeon Scheuber-Rush will be attending on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 May, and are keen to support members attending and performing at the festival.

Natalie can offer advice on Live, Theatre and Music Writer issues, and Tom, Simeon and Graham can help with regional/all other issues.

If you’re playing, the MU would love to come along - please get in touch with your gig details:

LGBTQIA+ meet-up

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, John Shortell, will also be attending the Music+ LGBTQIA+ network meet-up, taking place at the Actors Pub on Friday 16 May, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

The informal gathering is open to LGBTQIA+ musicians and music industry professionals looking to connect and share experiences.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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

Naomi sat on stage with Allistair Elliott (Canada) and Juho Viljanen (Finland) during the panel event.

MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl opened the FIM International Freelance Conference in Brighton, hosted by the Musicians' Union, welcoming delegates from around the world and highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing freelance musicians today.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026
The five panellists sat on stage, in purple lighting, with FIM logo behind them.

International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference

Delegates at FIM's International Freelance Conference explored collective bargaining, organising freelance musicians and tackling discrimination, sharing international perspectives on improving working conditions and building a fairer, more inclusive music industry.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference
Person playing acoustic guitar next to a small baby who is smiling.

MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months

The MU Executive Committee has agreed to extend the application period for the parental grant from six months to 12 months following the birth or adoption of a child, making it easier for members to access support when they need it.

Published: 22 October 2026

Read more about MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months
Illustration of a yellow lightbulb with a green leaf inside representing ideas, against a turquoise grey background.

Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action

Can music help tackle the climate crisis? Chris Hutchings, composer and MU Climate Emergency Action Group member, explores how songs can inspire action, build community and help people realise they're part of a much wider movement for change.

Published: 19 October 2026

Read more about Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action