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

David playing oboe at a rehearsal.

Tribute to David Presly

David Presly was an MU member for 54 years, and his distinguished orchestral career, adventurous spirit and enduring sense of humour made him a much-loved figure within the profession. This tribute has been written by David's colleague and friend, Alan.

Published: 25 September 2026

Read more about Tribute to David Presly
Selfie of Harry wearing headphones and smiling next to his friend and colleague, trumpeter Matt Roberts.

Tribute to Harry Brown

Friends and colleagues pay tribute to Harry Brown, an acclaimed trombonist, educator and mentor whose extraordinary musical career was matched by his generosity, encouragement and unwavering support for others.

Published: 25 September 2026

Read more about Tribute to Harry Brown
Exterior of the music building. It is a beige square building with a large sign on it that says

Support Staff and Music Education at Goldsmiths

Staff at Goldsmiths, University of London, including colleagues in the Music Department, are taking sustained strike action over proposed cuts and redundancies, amid wider pressures facing music provision in UK higher education.

Published: 24 September 2026

Read more about Support Staff and Music Education at Goldsmiths