skip to main content

Performance in Parliament Square to Highlight Needs of Freelance Musicians

On Tuesday 6 October, at 12:00 pm, 400 freelance professional musicians will be performing a short extract from Holst’s “Mars,” in Parliament Square – shining a light on the need for targeted support for freelance musicians.

Published: 05 October 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Panoramic photograph of Parliament Square as the sun sets.
We strongly urge the Government to recognise the unique situation that our members are in, and to provide sector specific financial support for musicians. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Conducted by renowned director David Hill in Parliament Square, the freelance musicians will perform a short section of “Mars,” from Holst’s “The Planets,” before standing in silence for two minutes. The 20% of the piece that they will perform represents the maximum 20% support that freelancers can receive from the Government through the newest version of the SEISS grant.

The event will be Covid-19 safe and adhere strictly to social distancing regulations.

Our General Secretary, Horace Trubridge, commented:

“We appreciate all the Government has done to support our members through the furlough and self-employment income support schemes so far, but they must not abandon musicians now…We strongly urge the Government to recognise the unique situation that our members are in, and to provide sector specific financial support for musicians.”

We will be reporting on the event as it happens via our Twitter channel. Later the same day, Horace will be speaking to the Lords Economic Affairs Committee, which you can watch live on Parliament TV online from 4:00 pm.

Take action now

Join our urgent call to the Government to do more, in order to safeguard the future of the UK’s music culture and industry – ask your MP to make your voice heard in Parliament.

You can use our template letter if you’re not sure what to say. Remember to include how you are affected too – personal stories make all the difference.

Write to your MP now.

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

MU members and staff standing in front of the Union's bright yellow marching banner which reads

MU Members Join TUC May Day March in Leeds

MU members and staff took part in the TUC May Day event in Leeds on 2 May, joining trade union colleagues from across the movement in a show of solidarity and collective action.

Published: 15 May 2026

Read more about MU Members Join TUC May Day March in Leeds
Jenny is wearing a rainbow hat and two MU members are wearing Union branded t-shirts, carrying flags and a keyboard.

‘At the Heart of Democracy’: MU Marks IDAHOBIT 2026

Ahead of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17, the MU reflects on a year of member stories, activism and solidarity across the music industry, highlighting the importance of LGBTQ+ voices within the Union and beyond.

Published: 14 May 2026

Read more about ‘At the Heart of Democracy’: MU Marks IDAHOBIT 2026
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