*
banner

Bands urged to understand new licence regs

If you are looking at broadcasting music in the future then you need to understand if new PRS licences apply.

PRS
  The PRS offer a helpful schematic to see if the new licences apply

The Performing Right Society (PRS) and Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society (MCPS) have just issued new guidance on the rules for online concert broadcasts which certainly need to be understood and implemented, if appropriate, by brass bands.

Online content

A Small Online Live Concert Licence is now required by: "UK Promoters or venues wishing to live stream a small-scale ticketed event originating in the UK.

This includes DJs, classical and popular music as well as theatre and variety shows."

It may well affect brass bands who wish to produce online content — if access to the content is provided by sale of 'tickets' or purchased access to the audience.

Cost

Costs would vary depending on the revenue expected to be raised from the venture — with a licence costing £22.50 + VAT for less than £250 or £45.00 + VAT from £251 to £500.

If revenue is projected above this amount, PRS should be contacted direct.

More detailed information on whether or not these licences will apply directly to a banding organisation wishing to broadcast has thankfully been undertaken by some well known industry experts such as David Taylor and the Musicians Union.

Costs would vary depending on the revenue expected to be raised from the venture4BR

Further information:

Further information can be found at:

https://david-taylor.org/events/new-prs-rules-for-online-concerts-what-do-they-mean-for-you

https://www.prsformusic.com/licences/using-music-online/online-live-concert

https://www.prsformusic.com/royalties/online-royalties/online-live-concert-royalties

https://musiciansunion.org.uk/all-news-and-features/guidance-on-the-prs-online-event-licensing-tariff

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Whitburn

Double boost for Whitburn

August 26 • New solo signings boost Scottish Champion's ranks ahead of major challenges.


Tertnes

New duo to lead Tertnes

August 26 • Margie Sutherland Antrobus and Katrina Marzella Wheeler will spearhead the musical approaches of Tertnes Brass on contest and concert stages over the next year.


wsbba

Troon set to welcome entertainers

August 26 • Defending champion Unite Scotland Kinneil leads the entertainers in Troon at the West of Scotland Entertainment Contest this weekend.


BrookWright

BrookWright Solo Competition finalists announced

August 25 • You can now vote for who you think should win the Under 18 and Over 18 categories of the 2026 BrookWright International Brass Solo Contest.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

August 26 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Tuesday (1st) in our bandroom at 11am. Why not come along for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake/coffee and it’s all free.. We welcome players of all abilities and blowing with us doesn’t affect your No1 band.


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd