News & Stories for Musicians

Pride in London 2026: Standing Proud with MU Members

MU members joined staff and fellow trade unionists at Pride in London on Saturday 4 July, celebrating LGBTQ+ visibility, solidarity and the importance of standing together in support of equality and inclusion.

Published: 09 July 2026

MU members and street performers sranding on the pitch together in front of a microphone.

Westminster Buskers Say Goodbye for the Summer With a ‘Big Busk’

This Monday saw the buskers of Westminster come together for a community ‘Big Busk’ to say goodbye to the last viable amplified busking pitch before it closes for summer events in Trafalgar Square.

Published: 17 June 2026

Two female session musicians in the studio, one playing bass and the other singing into a microphone. The sound technician is sitting at the mixing desk, turned towards them.

Over £3 Million Returned to Musicians Through MU Support in 2025

From recovering unpaid fees to distributing royalties, MU services helped secure £3.2 million for musicians in 2025. Your membership pays off.

Published: 29 May 2026

A young Black musician playing the violin.

Classically Black 2026 Returns to London

Classically Black 2026 returns to Kings Place, London on Saturday 10 October for a full day of music, discussion and celebration.

Published: 11 May 2026

Marcelo and another busker in yellow M U campaign t-shirts holding pink cut out guitars at a demo last August.

Protecting Amplification in Busking

One year on from the Leicester Square busking ban, MU member Marcelo Cervone reflects on how amplification shapes public space, challenges misconceptions on busking volume and makes the case for protecting performers’ pitches.

Published: 08 May 2026

People gathering at a protest against antisemitism.

MU Condemns Golders Green Attack

The MU stands in solidarity with Jewish communities following the recent attacks in Golder’s Green.

Published: 01 May 2026

Buskers and supporters, some wearing M U t-shirts, gathered around a singer, holding placards saying “Street Music is Not a Crime’. ‘Keep Music Live’, and ‘Westminster, Stop Killing Culture”.

Buskers Mark One Year Anniversary of the Leicester Square Busking Ban

Buskers are continuing their high-profile campaign, calling on Westminster Council to find new viable and accessible busking pitches in the borough to replace what was lost.

Published: 15 April 2026

A person in a crowd holds up a handmade cardboard sign reading “Refugees Welcome” in large green letters with a small red heart. Other protest signs are visible blurred in the background.

March Against the Far Right: Join the MU for the Together Alliance Demo in London

Join the MU at the Together Alliance march in London on Saturday 28 March for a major national demonstration against the far right.

Published: 17 February 2026

Two hands outstretched, each holding a jigsaw piece that will fit together.

Lessons from the MU’s Courageous Conversations Workshop

The music industry can be a difficult environment in which to have the conversations that you want and need in the workplace, but a one-day course hosted by the MU has offered a way forward.

Published: 18 December 2025

A group of buskers standing on the steps of Westminster Council holding campaign placards.

London Buskers Secure Campaign Support at Westminster Council Meeting

Buskers went to Westminster Council to speak to their representatives about new viable, accessible pitches for the festive season and beyond.

Published: 24 November 2025

A young man sat at home with a laptop on his knee, typing, while looking at a piece of paper.

MU Launches Guidance to Help Freelance Musicians with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

Explore the MU’s new guidance for freelancers on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, covering what it is, what you need to be aware of, and practical tips to get ready.

Published: 12 November 2025

A photo of musicians at a protest in Leicester Square, holding up banner and signs.

Luke Silva Posts Video in Support of Westminster Busking Campaign

Busker Luke Silva backs the campaign for new viable and accessible busking pitches in Westminster in his latest video.

Published: 05 November 2025

Dawn Butler MP Backs London Buskers Campaign

Dawn Butler MP shared her support for Musicians’ Union members campaigning for new viable and accessible pitches after a court ruling banned busking in Leicester Square.

Published: 15 October 2025

Wooden blocks representing people voting in an election.

Members to Receive Ballot Papers for Executive Committee and Regional Committee Elections

Executive Committee (EC) and Regional Committee (RC) ballots are due to take place, asking MU members to elect representatives from the membership to represent them at Regional and Executive level.

Published: 09 October 2025

A graphic with yellow and white design elements and black text.

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

Nominations are now open for members who wish to get involved in our Executive Committee and Regional Committees starting in 2025.

Published: 19 August 2025

Group of buskers, supporters, and MU staff outside at the site of the Leicester Square busking pitch. Some are wearing t-shirts, or holding posters and props, that say ‘back your buskers’.

Green Party’s Zack Polanski Backs Buskers in Call for New Westminster Pitches

On 7 August, London Assembly Member Zack Polanski joined buskers, supporters and MU officials for a photocall and leafleting session as part of the campaign for new viable, accessible Westminster busking pitches to replace those lost in Leicester Square.

Published: 14 August 2025

Close up of legs running on a treadmill.

Discounted Gym Membership Now Part of MU Benefits

Following the success of our discounted hotel room benefit, we’re now offering MU members exclusive access to reduced-rate gym memberships with The Gym Group — one of the UK’s leading fitness providers.

Published: 01 August 2025

A busker wearing a yellow Musicians' Union t-shirt surrounded by supporters with signs saying 'keep music live' at a busking demo in London in April.

Westminster Council: Back Your Buskers!

Sign the petition calling for new pitches in Westminster to replace those lost due to the Leicester Square busking ban.

Published: 09 July 2025

Exterior of the Clermont Hotel Charing Cross branch.

MU Partners with Clermont Hotels to Offer Members Discounted Rooms in London

Our new partnership with Clermont Hotels means MU members can book discounted hotel rooms at various locations in London, as an exclusive membership benefit.

Published: 01 May 2025

MU Protests Against Potential Busking Ban in Leicester Square

The MU and buskers gathered in Leicester Square to mark what could be the last day of busking in the area, following a noise abatement notice from the City of London Magistrates' Court.

Published: 17 April 2025

A busy nightclub in London with people dancing.

Government Trials Pilot Scheme to Boost London Night-Time Economy

London councils that block pubs, restaurants and music venues from opening later could see their decisions overturned by the mayor of London under new powers from the Government.

Published: 09 April 2025

Back shot of a busker, performing in front of a small crowd in London.

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

The MU calls on Westminster City Council to appeal a court ruling which classifies busking in Leicester Square as a "statutory nuisance." The judgment unfairly targets those already following the licensing scheme, and threatens both musicians' livelihoods and the future of street entertainment.

Published: 03 April 2025

Shaftesbury Avenue London in the evening, with signs advertising different West End shows lighting up the street.

Important Recommendation for MU Members on West End Shows that Begin From February 2025

The Society Of London Theatres (SOLT) have failed to resolve outstanding issues with the MU regarding triggering of effects and AMD pay. Although ongoing for several years, we have now reached an impasse and as such, here are our recommendations to affected members.

Published: 13 February 2025

Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

MU Celebrates Employment Rights Bill – A Major Win for Trade Unions

We welcome the Labour Government's new Employment Rights Bill, introducing measures that strengthen the collective voice of workers across the UK.

Published: 10 October 2024

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl standing with Lisa Nandy Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

The MU shaped policy on artificial intelligence and workers’ rights, and landed a historic recognition of the value of music education at Labour Party Conference this year.

Published: 26 September 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

The Prime Minister shared how music has improved his life, and why he supports access to music education for every child.

Published: 25 September 2024

Naomi Pohl speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke at the Labour Unions rally alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

Published: 25 September 2024

A rectangle asset with black text and yellow and white graphic elements.

Stand for the MU's Executive Committee

We are now looking for members who wish to stand for our Executive Committee (EC) starting in 2025. Find out what being on the EC involves and if you're eligible to stand.

Published: 27 August 2024

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

Nominations are now open for members who wish to get involved in our Executive Committee and Regional Committees starting in 2025.

Published: 20 August 2024

Musicians' Union staff and members holding Pride flags at a Pride march.

MU Reaches Membership Milestone

The Musicians' Union has reached 35,000 members this year, marking a milestone in its continued growth.

Published: 01 August 2024

Old, golden theatre binoculars resting on top of a musical score sheet.

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

Further to the release of Arts Council England’s Let's Create report, an analysis of opera and music theatre in England and Wales, journalist Andrew Stewart investigates the sector's current landscape and how this relates to the report, our members and the wider industry.

Published: 01 July 2024

The outside of the London Palladium theatre.

MU Celebrates Majority Female Orchestra in West End’s Largest Pit Band

Over 50% of players in the orchestra for Hello Dolly! at the London Palladium are women. The MU is delighted to see equal representation in what is currently the largest pit band in the West End, and hopes to see other bands following its example.

Published: 05 June 2024

Young male student sat in a library with headphones on looking at a laptop screen.

Kent University Announces Closure of All Music Courses

The MU expresses solidarity to all staff and students affected by the closures.

Published: 26 March 2024

Outside of the London Coliseum Theater where ENO is currently based.

Musicians’ Union Members in the Music Staff Reach Agreement with English National Opera

This means that musicians in both the orchestra and music staff have reached agreements with English National Opera, and planned strike action in this dispute is cancelled.

Published: 20 February 2024

BBC Singers and Orchestras Update

A joint update from the BBC and Musicians' Union on the future of the BBC Singers and orchestras.

Published: 15 February 2024

People with placards 'Fund the Arts', 'We are union strong', ;We are ENO'

Musicians’ Union Members Reach Agreement with English National Opera

The MU has reached an agreement with English National Opera for musicians in the orchestra, and an offer in principle for music staff.

Published: 15 February 2024

Empty classroom with piano and chalk blackboard.

MU Pushes Government to Support Teachers’ Pensions and Increase Music Hub Funding

We have written to the Department for Education for a second time, asking it to rethink its proposal to end essential top-up funding for teachers’ pensions in Music Hubs. Alongside this, we continue to highlight the significant overall funding shortfall facing music education.

Published: 02 February 2024

An empty rehearsal room full of orchestral instruments and chairs.

Musicians' Union Statement on Strike Action at English National Opera

The MU and Equity are postponing strike action to allow time for urgent talks on improved proposals from ENO management.

Published: 29 January 2024

Musicians’ Union Strike Action at English National Opera Makes Headlines in BBC News, Guardian, Telegraph and More

Did you see the news? On 17 January, the Musicians’ Union announced the first strike by members for 44 years.

Published: 23 January 2024

Musicians and Music Staff at English National Opera to Go On Strike

Musicians’ Union members will be going on strike for the first time since July 1980.

Published: 17 January 2024

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Pride in London 2026: Standing Proud with MU Members

Westminster Buskers Say Goodbye for the Summer With a ‘Big Busk’

Over £3 Million Returned to Musicians Through MU Support in 2025

Classically Black 2026 Returns to London

Protecting Amplification in Busking

MU Condemns Golders Green Attack

Buskers Mark One Year Anniversary of the Leicester Square Busking Ban

March Against the Far Right: Join the MU for the Together Alliance Demo in London

Lessons from the MU’s Courageous Conversations Workshop

London Buskers Secure Campaign Support at Westminster Council Meeting

MU Launches Guidance to Help Freelance Musicians with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

Luke Silva Posts Video in Support of Westminster Busking Campaign

Dawn Butler MP Backs London Buskers Campaign

Members to Receive Ballot Papers for Executive Committee and Regional Committee Elections

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

Green Party’s Zack Polanski Backs Buskers in Call for New Westminster Pitches

Discounted Gym Membership Now Part of MU Benefits

Westminster Council: Back Your Buskers!

MU Partners with Clermont Hotels to Offer Members Discounted Rooms in London

MU Protests Against Potential Busking Ban in Leicester Square

Government Trials Pilot Scheme to Boost London Night-Time Economy

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

Important Recommendation for MU Members on West End Shows that Begin From February 2025

MU Celebrates Employment Rights Bill – A Major Win for Trade Unions

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

Stand for the MU's Executive Committee

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

MU Reaches Membership Milestone

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

MU Celebrates Majority Female Orchestra in West End’s Largest Pit Band

Kent University Announces Closure of All Music Courses

Musicians’ Union Members in the Music Staff Reach Agreement with English National Opera

BBC Singers and Orchestras Update

Musicians’ Union Members Reach Agreement with English National Opera

MU Pushes Government to Support Teachers’ Pensions and Increase Music Hub Funding

Musicians' Union Statement on Strike Action at English National Opera

Musicians’ Union Strike Action at English National Opera Makes Headlines in BBC News, Guardian, Telegraph and More

Musicians and Music Staff at English National Opera to Go On Strike