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. Bristol Beacon A music charity, renowned venue and music education hub, with 2,124 capacity over four performance spaces. Bristol Read more about Bristol Beacon The Sound Lounge A 120 (mixed seated and standing) capacity venue for roots music, with full backline in Surrey. Surrey Read more about The Sound Lounge Esquires A multifunctional live music venue with a capacity of 280 in the main room, and 180 in the smaller room. Bedford Read more about Esquires The Artful Dodger A small, 60-capacity venue in York for local and national bands to perform intimate, acoustic sets. York Read more about The Artful Dodger Bush Hall Music A 400 capacity venue in Shepherd's Bush hosting a range of live music throughout the week. London Read more about Bush Hall Music The Studio Widnes A 300 capacity community arts venue featuring global music headliners and showcases for original music. Widnes Read more about The Studio Widnes SEALL A rural performing arts promoter which works across different venues on the Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye Read more about SEALL The Met A centre of live music incorporating two performance spaces, a restaurant and a recording studio. Manchester Read more about The Met 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.
Bristol Beacon A music charity, renowned venue and music education hub, with 2,124 capacity over four performance spaces. Bristol Read more about Bristol Beacon
The Sound Lounge A 120 (mixed seated and standing) capacity venue for roots music, with full backline in Surrey. Surrey Read more about The Sound Lounge
Esquires A multifunctional live music venue with a capacity of 280 in the main room, and 180 in the smaller room. Bedford Read more about Esquires
The Artful Dodger A small, 60-capacity venue in York for local and national bands to perform intimate, acoustic sets. York Read more about The Artful Dodger
Bush Hall Music A 400 capacity venue in Shepherd's Bush hosting a range of live music throughout the week. London Read more about Bush Hall Music
The Studio Widnes A 300 capacity community arts venue featuring global music headliners and showcases for original music. Widnes Read more about The Studio Widnes
SEALL A rural performing arts promoter which works across different venues on the Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye Read more about SEALL
The Met A centre of live music incorporating two performance spaces, a restaurant and a recording studio. Manchester Read more about The Met