Live Events & Festivals Music Licence
Music makes a moment. Imagine a festival without the feedback, a show without the singalongs or a street party without the swing.
Whatever the occasion, live music could help to create an atmosphere people enjoy. This could be anything from a festival in a country park to a fashion show in your retail store; a party in the town square to a pop up stage in your pub.
Introducing music through events, live music, film screenings or other featured entertainment could be highly beneficial to your business and could help your organisation fulfil its potential.
What is a live performance?
A live performance encompasses a wide range of events and entertainment. Whatever the type of performance, you’ll usually need a music licence.
This includes, music festivals, live concerts, classical concert, dance performance, theatrical performances, open mic nights, karaoke, comedy shows, film screening, carnivals and more.
TheMusicLicence covers the live music element at these type of live performances as well as any additional recorded music used at the event.
Recorded music may be in the form of background music used before, after and in between acts or music that is itself part of the entertainment. For example, the backing track used in a dance recital or a song that is featured in a screening that is broadcast.
How is the cost calculated?
TheMusicLicence cost depends on a number of factors, including your type of venue and how you use music in your day-to-day operations, whether that be for background purposes or other usages such as live performances and events.
Specially featured entertainment
Starts from...
Live performance
(Single Events)
Starts from...
A pub, bar or hotel that uses sound recordings as Specially Featured Entertainment (i.e. discos, dances, DJ presentations etc) could play music for up to 75 people for up to 1 hour for £19.76 (+VAT) as a one off event.
A pub or bar could play live music to up 100 people for £13.66 per event (+VAT).
*All cost examples are subject to change. Cost example correct as of July 2025.
Quote Checklist
To help process your application, please ensure you have read our Quote Checklist for each section that is applicable to you, and you have the relevant information ready so we can provide an accurate quote.
Live events & performances
- Number of events held per year
- Capacity of these events
Specially featured entertainment events
- Number of events held per year
- The duration, capacity and average attendance per event
Background music
- The areas where music is used, such as a café/bar or office areas
- The square meterage of each area where music is audible
Attendance
- Type of devices used to play music, such as TV, radio, CDs etc.
Variety events
- Total gross ticket sales (excluding VAT)
Music videos
- Number of TV screens music videos are played on
Get TheMusicLicence
At PPL PRS we have a specialised team of Live Music Advisers who will take you through your music licence application step-by-step, making it easy for you to obtain a music licence for the playing or performance of music at your event.
If your organisation is hosting multiple events you will be assigned a dedicated Account Manager; a regular point of contact who understands your business, account and your events. They will help you to manage all the licensing elements of your events and live performances.
Contact our Live Music Team on 0208 338 1407 or complete our contact form to get a quote today.
Get a Quote
Please complete the Get TheMusicLicence form below to arrange a quote.
Brochure Downloads
Live Music (PDF)
Festivals (PDF)
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Thinking about playing music at your live event or festival and want to know more?
What is TheMusicLicence?
What is TheMusicLicence
Do I need a music licence?
Do I need a music licence?
Where does my money go?
Where does my money go?
How do I get TheMusicLicence?
Call us on 0208 338 1407
(8am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 3pm Friday)
Alternatively you can complete the online form and an adviser will be in touch.