skip to main content

MU Supports Music Venue Trust’s Save Our Venues Campaign

This week the Music Venue Trust (MVT) launched its Save Our Venues campaign.  Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, venues are facing real hardship with many threatened with closure as Government measures start to run out.

Published: 01 May 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Save our venues logo
This scheme will help these precious grass roots live music venues and all the people who work in this invaluable sector to get through this crisis. Photo credit: Save Our Venues

The MVT fear some 556 venues are at imminent risk of closure leaving our members with even less places to perform and a vital talent artery of the industry made even narrower.

With Government support running out and no immediate plans to lift the lockdown, the MVT have devised a campaign matching artists, audiences, and fans with venues facing closure to raise funds.

The MU has discussed this with the MVT and artists can organise a profit share with venues so both parties benefit from the scheme.

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge says:

“We are delighted to support the Save Our Venues scheme. Live music has taken the biggest hit during this pandemic and it really needs a lifeline.

“Our members need to know that when some kind of normal life resumes there will be venues where they can perform and this scheme is warmly welcomed. Musicians who rely heavily on their income from live performance are really struggling, since the venues closed their income has dropped off a cliff.

“This scheme will help these precious grass roots live music venues and all the people who work in this invaluable sector to get through this crisis.”

To find out more visit Save our Venue’s website.

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

Alfred at the drums on his 100th Birthday.

Tribute to Alfred 'Honky' Hall

Alfred 'Honky' Hall, beloved musician, jazz drummer, and percussionist, passed away on 17 August 2024 at his home in Jersey, Channel Islands, aged 102. Alfred was a dedicated member of the MU for 47 years, having joined in 1955.

Published: 20 January 2026

Read more about Tribute to Alfred 'Honky' Hall
A famous, vibrant street in Commercial Court in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast. The street is lined with historic pubs, benches and flowers, with umbrellas and neon signs hanging over the alleyway.

Help Shape Support for Music Businesses in Belfast

Music professionals and businesses in Belfast are invited to have their say via a short survey as the Council develops a new free Business Accelerator Programme for the city’s music sector. The deadline for responses is 31 January 2026.

Published: 20 January 2026

Read more about Help Shape Support for Music Businesses in Belfast