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 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 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 Theatreship Performing arts centre on a historic ship in the old docks of Canary Wharf, hosting live music and arts events either in a 100-seat auditorium or a 120-capacity bar/performance space. London Read more about Theatreship King Tut's Wah Wah Hut A 300 capacity venue open seven nights per week. Glasgow Read more about King Tut's Wah Wah Hut La Belle Angele A 600 capacity venue hosting gigs and club nights most evenings. Edinburgh Read more about La Belle Angele 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 93 Feet East A large industrial venue with six event spaces, also available to hire. London Read more about 93 Feet East The Craufurd Arms A 300 capacity live music venue, theatre and pub. Milton Keynes Read more about The Craufurd Arms 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 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
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
Theatreship Performing arts centre on a historic ship in the old docks of Canary Wharf, hosting live music and arts events either in a 100-seat auditorium or a 120-capacity bar/performance space. London Read more about Theatreship
King Tut's Wah Wah Hut A 300 capacity venue open seven nights per week. Glasgow Read more about King Tut's Wah Wah Hut
La Belle Angele A 600 capacity venue hosting gigs and club nights most evenings. Edinburgh Read more about La Belle Angele
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
93 Feet East A large industrial venue with six event spaces, also available to hire. London Read more about 93 Feet East
The Craufurd Arms A 300 capacity live music venue, theatre and pub. Milton Keynes Read more about The Craufurd Arms