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Fair Play Venue Scheme

Whether you’re planning a tour or looking for venues in your area, finding places to play where musicians can be certain of getting a fair deal can be a trial and error exercise, and difficult to research.

Last updated: 27 March 2024

What is the MU Fair Play Venue Scheme?

The MU’s Fair Play Scheme was set up as a response to concerns from MU members about the poor treatment and pay that many musicians were experiencing when performing in grassroots venues. We invite independent music venues to declare their support for the fair treatment of musicians and their opposition to pay-to-play and unfair ticketing deals by signing up to the Fair Play Scheme.

A music venue may be considered a Fair Play Venue if it endorses the principles of our Fair Play Guide. The Fair Play Guide offers advice to musicians on co-promotions, ticketing deals, showcases and competitions so that musicians can identify when a deal is fair.

Find out more information for venues on why and how to become a Fair Play Venue.

How can musicians find a grassroots music venue that is part of a Fair Play Venue Scheme?

Fair Play Venues can be identified by the sticker displayed on the premises. Musicians can also search for Fair Play Venues online in your area, read about the kind of music they promote and find out how you go about getting a gig.

Browse Fair Play Venues

If you’ve been booked to perform at a Fair Play Venue recently please get in touch and let us know how you got on, particularly if you need any help or advice from us as your Union. You can email us at live@themu.org.

Have you played at a venue that's not on the Fair Play Venue list?

If you have played a gig that went well, at a venue where you were treated fairly and had a positive experience, let us know about the venue and who runs it.

If you would like to nominate a venue to be added to the Fair Play Venue database, email us at live@theMU.org.

Nominate a Fair Play Venue

Find a Fair Play Venue

The Court House

A 200 capacity, central independent venue, which offers paid weekly or monthly residencies, support and headline slots.

Northern Ireland
Read more about The Court House

Peckham Levels

Venue hosting live gigs and club nights either in 450-standing capacity Gig Space or 150-standing capacity Auditorium.

London
Read more about Peckham Levels

The Shed

A community space with a cafe bar offering live music, open mic nights, comedy and networking events.

Leicester
Read more about The Shed

The Slaughtered Lamb

A contemporary pub venue with an entertainment space in the basement for live music, club nights, DJ’s and comedy.

London
Read more about The Slaughtered Lamb