Grassroots Music Venues and Pubs Small venues in England and Wales can put on live music without a music licence thanks to the Live Music Act. Last updated: 30 March 2022 Venues are covered under the terms of the Live Music Act if: They are based in England or Wales There is an existing alcohol licence There are fewer than 500 people in the audience for amplified music. There is no audience limit for unamplified music. The live music will not take place between the hours of 23.00 & 08.00 This is great for grassroots music, especially in pubs. A study by PRS for Music reports that bars putting on live music see an increase in ‘wet sales’ of 44% over the weekend, peaking at 60% on Friday and Saturday nights, and are on average three times less likely to close. A live music programme can enhance a business and be a creative hub for a community. The Music Venue Trust advises on the legislative, practical and creative elements involved in hosting live music. For the artist performer the MU can provide advice on playing music in pubs, live performance contracts, health and safety issues, promotional advice and useful contacts. Our Fair Play Guide advises on fair ticket deals and we have a network of venues across the UK that support the principles of the Fair Play Guide. Find a Fair Play Venue Browse grassroots music venues where musicians can be sure of securing a fair deal. The Pavilion Bar A 160-capacity venue available for gigs and functions, with opportunities for musicians to participate in battle of the band competitions. Belfast Read more about The Pavilion Bar Cardiff Students' Union A 1,500-capacity accessible venue, primarily available for hire, with occasional opportunities for local support bands. Cardiff Read more about Cardiff Students' Union The MAC A cultural hub and arts centre with two seated theatre spaces to hire, with capacities of 118 and 343. Belfast Read more about The MAC The Snug Coffee House A cosy 100-capacity venue and community space with a programme spanning a wide range of genres and events. Wigan Read more about The Snug Coffee House The Globe A 170-capacity, community owned venue hosting live shows as well as a club and dance events. It can also be hired for private parties and rehearsals. Newcastle Read more about The Globe Nice'n'Sleazy A 180-capacity central venue for hire, offering a mix of gigs, clubs and DJ nights. Glasgow Read more about Nice'n'Sleazy The Kirkgate Centre A 120-capacity entertainment and cultural venue, championing arts, community and heritage in the heart of Cumbria. Cumbria Read more about The Kirkgate Centre North of England Centre for Music and Arts A family-run arts centre with a 200-capacity live music venue, in a renovated historic building by a canal. West Yorkshire Read more about North of England Centre for Music and Arts See all venues Find a Fair Play Venue Whether you’re planning a tour or looking for venues in your area, musicians can find places to play where you can be certain of getting a fair deal. Browse Fair Play Venues Fair Play Venues can be identified by the sticker displayed on the premises and can be found on our Fair Play Venue listing. Find out more about the Fair Play Scheme and how to nominate a venue.
The Pavilion Bar A 160-capacity venue available for gigs and functions, with opportunities for musicians to participate in battle of the band competitions. Belfast Read more about The Pavilion Bar
Cardiff Students' Union A 1,500-capacity accessible venue, primarily available for hire, with occasional opportunities for local support bands. Cardiff Read more about Cardiff Students' Union
The MAC A cultural hub and arts centre with two seated theatre spaces to hire, with capacities of 118 and 343. Belfast Read more about The MAC
The Snug Coffee House A cosy 100-capacity venue and community space with a programme spanning a wide range of genres and events. Wigan Read more about The Snug Coffee House
The Globe A 170-capacity, community owned venue hosting live shows as well as a club and dance events. It can also be hired for private parties and rehearsals. Newcastle Read more about The Globe
Nice'n'Sleazy A 180-capacity central venue for hire, offering a mix of gigs, clubs and DJ nights. Glasgow Read more about Nice'n'Sleazy
The Kirkgate Centre A 120-capacity entertainment and cultural venue, championing arts, community and heritage in the heart of Cumbria. Cumbria Read more about The Kirkgate Centre
North of England Centre for Music and Arts A family-run arts centre with a 200-capacity live music venue, in a renovated historic building by a canal. West Yorkshire Read more about North of England Centre for Music and Arts