skip to main content

Top-up Payments to Coronavirus Hardship Fund Grants

We’re making a top-up payment of £100 to previously successful applicants to our Coronavirus Hardship Fund this month.

Published: 18 June 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Man in a mask playing guitar in front of a laptop
The MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund provides small grants for the urgent relief of musicians in genuine financial hardship.

Applicants that received an initial payment of £200 from the fund are being contacted and given the choice as to whether they need the additional top-up payment or not. If not, their proposed payment will remain in the fund to support other musicians in due course.

MU members who have not yet applied to the Coronavirus Hardship Fund are still able to apply for a £200 grant as and when they need it.

Thank you to PPL for their donations of £200,000 which have made this top-up payment possible.

Summer of Live Festival

We’re launching the Summer of Live Online Festival this Sunday, 21 June. The inaugural event being hosted by Shell Zenner, radio presenter, producer and DJ, and featuring the talents of Penfriend, Jack Curley, Prima and Kinkai.

The event is being organised to raise money for our Coronavirus Hardship Fund, which distributes money directly to musicians in immediate financial difficulties.

Find out more.

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

Sepia photo of Derek playing trumpet.

Tribute to Derek Kimber

Derek Kimber, a cornet and trumpet player whose talent spanned jazz bands, big bands and community events across the West Country, passed away on 30 November 2025. He was a dedicated member of the Musicians’ Union, having joined in 1968.

Published: 27 January 2026

Read more about Tribute to Derek Kimber
Afternoon shot of Liverpool's Cavern Quarter with bars and music venues lit up.

MU Welcomes Major Regional Creative Industries Funding Boost

The MU welcomes a new £27 million government funding package, with regions across the UK invited to bid for investment aimed at strengthening creative industry clusters and building on Liverpool City Region’s success in music innovation and growth.

Published: 26 January 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes Major Regional Creative Industries Funding Boost