*
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    


Amersham

Amersham ready for rowdy and joyful celebration

November 14 • Amersham Band will join forces with Shri Sriram and friends for a great night of ever inventive jazz inspired fusion fun in London.


Tredegar Band

Tredegar Bound by memories this weekend

November 14 • The Welsh champion will celebrate the life and legacy of their much missed baritone player Jon Bound on Saturday night with fun and music — and a 'Yeehaw!' or two...


Gregson

Gregson gains Gramophone link for latest release

November 14 • Edward Gregson's latest CD recording featuring his tuba concerto played by Ross Knight has been released.


Southwell

Derwent to provide premiere performances

November 14 • A new arrangement of Faure's 'Requiem' for brass band and choir will form part of a concert at Southwell Minster this weekend with Derwent Brass.


Regent Hall Concerts - Five By 5 Trumpet Ensemble

Friday 14 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: 48th Brass in Concert

Saturday 15 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Delph Band - Delph Youth Band

Sunday 16 November • Denshaw Village Hall, . Ripponden Rd, . Denshaw, . Oldham OL3 5SY


Regent Hall Concerts - Trombonanza with Brett Baker and Friends

Saturday 22 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Dobross Youth Band and Dobcross Brass Monkeys

Saturday 22 November • Civic Hall . Lee Street . Uppermill . Saddleworth OL3 6AE


Audley Brass

November 13 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking an Eb BASS PLAYER as we work towards our Dickens A Christmas Carol theme concert, the Beartown Brewery Christmas party and the 2026 Area contest.


Crewe Brass

November 13 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

November 13 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd