Latest press releases

25 February 2011
Free music for wedding street parties

PRS for Music, the organisation which licences the public use of music, has announced it will make no charge for music licences for certain small community events, including street parties, to encourage celebrations for the Royal Wedding taking place on April 29th.

The policy which will come into effect between 22nd April 2011 and 6th May hopes to help communities all across the UK enjoy the benefits of music to celebrate the forthcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Keith Gilbert, Director of Public Performance Sales, PRS for Music said: "We want to help the nation enjoy this special event and not have to worry about paying for a licence for small public celebrations during this one off period. Music is a key ingredient to creating a positive and happy atmosphere and the Royal Wedding, and national holiday, seems as good a reason as any for a great party and music helps make a great party even better."

PRS for Music represents 75,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers, collecting and paying royalties when their music is played, performed or reproduced. Many of its members earn a vital living for their creative talent through public plays of their music both in the UK and internationally.

PRS for Music has contacted all local authorities to inform them of the temporary policy.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

PRS for Music, at its discretion, chooses not to charge a licence fee for certain small community events celebrating the Royal Wedding where all the following criteria are met. The event:

• is in celebration of the Royal Wedding 2011
• takes place between 22 April 2011 and 6 May 2011, inclusive
• is organised and run by unpaid volunteers
• is provided for the local community
• has a total expected attendance / capacity of 300 or fewer
• does not generate a profit
• is held in a premises or a place that does not otherwise require, or currently hold, a PRS for Music licence

If you are unsure if your event qualifies for this discretionary policy, please contact us on our free phone number 0800 0684828 to find out. Please note that the event may still require a licence from Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), the organisation which represents the owners of sound recordings and those that performed on those recordings.

Events that do not qualify for this policy, but are provided for charity or the community may be able to apply for a discount to their licence fee. Details of how to do this, and what types of events can apply are available here.

For more information, get in touch:

Nicola Formoy, Public Relations Manager
nicola.formoy@prsformusic.com
02073064229 / 07539 837436

Barney Hooper, Head of PR
barney.hooper@prsformusic.com
02073064548 / 07979 757052

PRS for Music
PRS for Music represents 75,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in the UK. As a not-for-profit organisation it ensures creators are paid whenever their music is played, performed or reproduced; championing the importance of copyright to protect and support the UK music industry. The UK has a proud tradition of creating wonderful music that is enjoyed the world over and PRS for Music has been supporting the creators of that music since 1914.

PRS for Music provides business and community groups with easy access to over 10m songs through its music licences. In an industry worth £3.9bn PRS for Music is uniquely placed to be a voice for music and can provide data and comment for all aspects of the business: live, broadcast, sales, online, touring and music creation and up to date analysis, research and trends about the industry.