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MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities

Welsh MU members met Labour Senedd candidates to discuss the future of the music industry in Wales, presenting the Union’s manifesto priorities for fair pay, strong public investment, and long-term sustainability across the sector ahead of the 7 May elections.

Published: 18 February 2026 | 7:29 PM
MU members and Senedd candidates infront of an MU banner.
Senedd Candidates engaged positively with the issues raised and were presented with the Union’s music manifesto for Wales. Photo: The MU.

Last week, MU Regional Organiser for Wales and South West England, Andy Warnock, joined a delegation of Welsh Union members for a roundtable discussion with Labour Senedd candidates to discuss the future of the music sector in Wales.

The event brought together members from the Welsh National Opera orchestra, alongside musicians working in education and the live sector. The discussion highlighted the vital contribution of music to Wales’s economy, culture and communities.

Pictured L-R: Andy Warnock, Shavanah Taj (standing in Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf), Peter Jenkins (standing in Ceredigion Penfro), Llinos Owen (MU member),  David Miller (MU member), Huw Thomas (standing Carrdydd Penarth) and Stephen Williams (MU member).

Conversation focused on the challenges facing working musicians, including arts funding pressures, the sustainability of live venues, access to high-quality music education, long-term career development and protecting Welsh music jobs.

Musicians’ manifesto

Candidates engaged positively with the issues raised and were presented with the MU’s manifesto, which sets out clear and practical proposals to strengthen cultural provision and support growth across the creative industries in Wales.

The MU manifesto calls on political parties in Wales to commit to action across four key areas: Growth and Innovation; Music for All; Local and International Success; and a Sustainable Culture Sector.

Read our full manifesto asks, and find out how you too can add your voice to the call for action to improve cultural provision and musicians’ careers across Wales.

Your Union in Wales. Your Voice in Music.

From Cardiff to Caernarfon, the Wales & South West England Regional Office is here to support musicians across the nation—offering expert advice, local events, and strong advocacy rooted in the needs of Wales’ vibrant music community.

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MU members and Senedd candidates infront of an MU banner.

MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities

Welsh MU members met Labour Senedd candidates to discuss the future of the music industry in Wales, presenting the Union’s manifesto priorities for fair pay, strong public investment, and long-term sustainability across the sector ahead of the 7 May elections.

Published: 18 February 2026

Read more about MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities