skip to main content

Ticket Bank Increases Access to Culture During a Difficult Festive Period

The MU has praised the London Ticket Bank scheme for providing unsold theatre tickets to those who cannot afford access to culture.

Published: 23 December 2022 | 12:08 PM
Lots of different coloured tickets in a big pile, each one reading
“The Ticket Bank is a wonderful way for the arts to be available to everyone in society.” Photo credit: Shutterstock

The scheme has been likened to ‘the cultural equivalent of a food bank’ and will make around 1000 tickets available each week for those who cannot afford to pay for theatre, comedy, music and dance.

Some of the capital’s leading cultural institutions, including the Barbican, the National Theatre and the Roundhouse, have signed up for the initiative, with more expected to join in January.

London Regional Organiser Jamie Pullman commented on the scheme:

“The Ticket Bank is a wonderful way for the arts to be available to everyone in society. Food fills your stomach, the arts fill your soul, and both are important for us as humans.

“It’s a damning indictment of the state of our country when so many people can no longer afford either food or fun, but while the generosity of these institutions is helping make lives better, I look forward to the day when they are no longer necessary.”

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

The UK and EU flags, waved together in front of Big Ben in London.

MU Backs Petition Urging UK to Rejoin Creative Europe Programme

The EU/UK Culture Forum has launched a petition calling on the UK Government to rejoin Creative Europe from 2027. The programme supports funding and cultural collaboration across Europe, and the MU is encouraging members to sign and show their support.

Published: 26 February 2026

Read more about MU Backs Petition Urging UK to Rejoin Creative Europe Programme
A crowd with their hands raised at a music festival.

MU to Attend FOCUS Wales 2026 in Wrexham

Taking place from 7-9 May, FOCUS Wales is an international showcase spotlighting over 250 artists and featuring industry sessions, arts events, film screenings and more. The MU will be hosting a series of coffee morning drop-in sessions, as well as an afternoon mixer event.

Published: 24 February 2026

Read more about MU to Attend FOCUS Wales 2026 in Wrexham
Empty music classroom with seats and sheet stands.

Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks

From 17 February 2026, legislative changes in Northern Ireland allow self-employed musicians working with children and vulnerable adults to apply for an Enhanced AccessNI disclosure check through a registered Umbrella Body.

Published: 23 February 2026

Read more about Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks