skip to main content

MU Statement on Musicians Wishing to Boycott The Great Escape Festival 2024

The MU stands in solidarity with members and non-members who are boycotting this year’s Great Escape Festival due to sponsorship concerns, and reiterate the importance of getting in touch with your regional office should you need support and/or advice.

Published: 03 May 2024 | 1:29 PM
View of the Victorian Brighton Pier and the Brighton wheel at sunset.
The MU is here to offer guidance to any member wishing to boycott this, or any other event. Image credit: Shutterstock.

We will always support our members who choose to withhold their labour, whether that be to fight for better pay, better working conditions or in this case, a better world.

The boycott is an act of solidarity with the people of Palestine, and one of the few instruments that freelance musicians have to call attention to practices that they disagree with.

At the request of our members, the MU have been in touch with The Great Escape and Live Nation to discuss their relationship with Barclays Bank, and whether their sponsorship is being reviewed because of artists’ concerns.

The Council of Music Makers (CMM) - the umbrella organisation representing the Ivors Academy, FAC, MMF, MPG and the MU - will present a full day of talks, discussions, case studies and insights as part of the Great Escape industry conference. We plan to discuss the boycott as part of these discussions.

Any members who have boycotted The Great Escape and need advice on their rights should contact their regional office for support.

The MU is here to offer guidance to any member wishing to boycott this, or any other event. We will also provide support to musicians who have been targeted due to their political activism.

View our advice and full statement

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

Out of focus interior of a school music classroom, with students practicing musical instruments and an acoustic guitar in the foreground.

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

With a new report suggesting that music hubs are facing a £161.4 million black hole, MU National Organiser Chris Walters looks at how we got here and invites members to take action.

Published: 20 February 2025

Read more about Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs
A large vibrant banner saying “It’s our time, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture”, outside of the Science and Media Museum building.

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a framework which ensures that creative workers engaged in Bradford’s upcoming programme of events, as newly appointed City of Culture for 2025, receive fair pay and working conditions.

Published: 20 February 2025

Read more about MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture
London cityscape with Houses of Parliament and Big Ben tower at sunset.

MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament

The MU’s Head of Communications and Government Relations, Isabelle Gutierrez, reports on a busy month of highlighting musicians’ issues in parliament, with updates relating to streaming, music education, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Published: 20 February 2025

Read more about MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament
MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl on stage at the launch in London.

MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign

The newly launched campaign, led by the National Education Union with support from the MU, urges political change to restore the place of arts subjects in schools.

Published: 19 February 2025

Read more about MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign
Close up exterior shot of the entrance to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

MU at Liverpool Philharmonic Music Industry Careers Fest

Interested in working in music but don’t know where to start? Come to the Music Industry Careers Fest at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 8 March, where you can also meet one of the MU’s North of England Regional Officers.

Published: 17 February 2025

Read more about MU at Liverpool Philharmonic Music Industry Careers Fest