skip to main content

The MU at the Women Chainmakers’ Festival

Musicians’ Union (MU) highlights from the Women Chainmakers’ Festival, supported by the MU Midlands Region.

Published: 06 July 2017 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM
A successful and well attended Women Chainmakers’ Festival on Saturday 1 July saw Musicians’ Union (MU) members performing throughout the day on the mainstage, and the modified horsebox stage (Os-box to the locals!).

We’re delighted to help organise the festival, and would like to send a big thank you to all the MU Midlands members who performed on the day.

We now have a database of MU acts in the Midlands that are passionate about the trade union movement and are happy to play at such union organised events. Email MU Midlands’ Ben Benson for details of the database, and how to get on it.

On the day there was also plenty of interest from musicians, peri-teachers, and ‘future musicians’ from their parents at the MU stand, with the most popular bit of merchandise being our Brexit campaign postcards to protect freedom of movement for musicians. Over 40 MPs and Peers have signed the MU pledge to protect free movement for musicians post-Brexit, and we encourage all members to ask their MP to sign it
 

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

Close up hands holding a pen and paper in front of a keyboard.

Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures

The Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) has passed 10,000 signatures on its petition calling for greater transparency around copyrighted works used to train generative AI. The MU, a CRA member, fully supports the campaign, which is now aiming for 100,000 signatures.

Published: 28 August 2026

Read more about Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures
Silhouette of crowd with their hands in the air, watching a small outdoor stage, lit by blue lights. Confetti falls from the sky.

MU Welcomes Launch of Northern Music Export Office and UKAT Fund Boost

The MU has welcomed the launch of the Northern Music Export Office (NMEO), calling it a significant step towards creating more opportunities for musicians across the North and helping artists build sustainable careers at home while reaching audiences worldwide.

Published: 25 August 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes Launch of Northern Music Export Office and UKAT Fund Boost
Jack onstage as an older man, wearing a white shirt and playing trombone.

Tribute to John 'Jackie' Free

Jack Free was a talented trombonist who performed alongside some of the great names in jazz during a career spanning more than six decades. He was a proud and long-standing member of the Musicians’ Union, having originally joined in 1956. This tribute has been written by his son, Colin.

Published: 25 August 2026

Read more about Tribute to John 'Jackie' Free