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. 2 Royal Avenue A 300-capacity community arts centre located in central Belfast. Belfast Read more about 2 Royal Avenue Ulster Sports Club A centrally based, 595 full capacity, three floor music venue. Belfast Read more about Ulster Sports Club The American Bar A small 50 capacity venue, predominately offering room for rehearsal space and community groups. Belfast Read more about The American Bar Accidental Theatre A small, independent theatre with a maximum capacity of 100, available to hire. Belfast Read more about Accidental Theatre The Court House A 200 capacity, central independent venue, which offers paid weekly or monthly residencies, support and headline slots. Bangor Read more about The Court House Salt Market Social A 150 - 400 capacity venue hosting a variety of genres across two spaces, catering to both small and large scale shows. North Tyneside Read more about Salt Market Social Strings Bar & Venue A 300 capacity venue hosting a range of genres approximately five nights a week. Isle of Wight Read more about Strings Bar & Venue Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre A 120 capacity venue supporting both touring and local musicians, mainly suitable for acoustic acts. Essex Read more about Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre 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.
2 Royal Avenue A 300-capacity community arts centre located in central Belfast. Belfast Read more about 2 Royal Avenue
Ulster Sports Club A centrally based, 595 full capacity, three floor music venue. Belfast Read more about Ulster Sports Club
The American Bar A small 50 capacity venue, predominately offering room for rehearsal space and community groups. Belfast Read more about The American Bar
Accidental Theatre A small, independent theatre with a maximum capacity of 100, available to hire. Belfast Read more about Accidental Theatre
The Court House A 200 capacity, central independent venue, which offers paid weekly or monthly residencies, support and headline slots. Bangor Read more about The Court House
Salt Market Social A 150 - 400 capacity venue hosting a variety of genres across two spaces, catering to both small and large scale shows. North Tyneside Read more about Salt Market Social
Strings Bar & Venue A 300 capacity venue hosting a range of genres approximately five nights a week. Isle of Wight Read more about Strings Bar & Venue
Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre A 120 capacity venue supporting both touring and local musicians, mainly suitable for acoustic acts. Essex Read more about Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre