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

Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool at sunset.

Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount

Outer Waves Festival, the North West's newest celebration of underground arts returns to Liverpool 23-24 May 2026. MU North of England Regional Officer Philip Morris will join a panel on gentrification, and MU members can access discounted weekend tickets.

Published: 13 May 2026

Member only Read more about Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount
Women sat in front of some water at sunset with headphones on.

Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report

A new BAPAM Impact Report reveals that 75% of performing arts professionals will face a career-impacting health issue, as demand for specialist support reaches record levels. The MU is among the organisations supporting BAPAM’s work to improve health provision across the sector.

Published: 13 May 2026

Read more about Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report
13 members of the Board gathered in front of some stairs.

MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

The MU has joined the new Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board alongside artists, venues, labels, media professionals, academics and industry experts. The Board will help shape the future of the region’s music sector and support long-term growth across the local music ecosystem.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board
The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026