skip to main content

Sign the Petition to Reverse Ban on Musicians at St. Sepulchre's

The Musicians' Union (MU) added its voice to calls to reverse the recently imposed ban on musicians at St Sepulchre's, known as the National Musicians' Church. Please sign the petition and support music at this historic venue.

Published: 30 August 2017 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

The Musicians' Union (MU) added its voice to calls on Rev David Ingalls to reverse the recently imposed ban on musicians at St Sepulchre's, known as the National Musicians' Church, and restore music-making to this historic venue.

Add your voice to the call – please sign the petition.

Over 6,000 people have signed the petition, including MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge and MU Regional Organiser for London Jo Laverty.

Why it matters

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge said, “The decision to curtail live music at the church makes absolutely no sense and, at a time when live music in London is becoming scarcer and scarcer, raises real concerns."

According to Making Music membership data, some 40% of amateur music groups use churches regularly. They are an important part of the UK’s music ecology; affordable, accessible, with good acoustics and space for an orchestra or choir. Find out more about why they are so important to amateur music via Making Music.

Please sign the petition now.

Signed the petition?

Stay up to the date with the Save the National Musicians Church campaign, and show your support, on Facebook and Twitter

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

John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
An empty conference stage, lit up multi coloured blocks.

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

Read more about Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance