Last weekend, groups and activists took action across the UK in places like Swansea, Lambeth, Edinburgh, and Swindon, for our Face The Music Action Weekend.

This action weekend was for our Face The Music campaign, a campaign calling on the UK government to negotiate a bilateral agreement, which will guarantee visa-free travel for UK artists in Europe, and EU artists in the UK.

Activists were putting up posters in their local venues, record stores, music shops, cafés, libraries and town halls, and handing-out leaflets to people in the queue outside local gigs and concerts. 

Hear what motivated Swansea for Europe to take action outside Swansea Arena here.

Photo courtesy of Lambeth for Europe.

Andrew Plant, Head of Press and Media at European Movement UK, spoke to Left Foot Forward over the weekend about the stir that the campaign is already causing.

“Launched less than 4 weeks ago, the petition has already garnered over 24,000 signatures, and there have been tens of thousands of views for our short films that highlight the personal stories of artists and musicians in the post-freedom of movement world.

“Face The Music is, above all, necessary. Our world-class music industry is hamstrung to the point of ruin by the loss of freedom of movement for artists. Work lost. Tours cancelled. Talent moving abroad. Reputation shredded. Small bands shut out of touring.

"Groups taking the message out there, as they have this weekend, is crucial to driving this vital campaign forward."

Photo courtesy of Edinburgh for Europe.

This Action Weekend was just the start. EM groups will be putting materials up and around the country until a new bilateral agreement is in place.

So, whether you’re a musician, work in music, have a friend in a band, group, orchestra or running their own music project, or – simply – if you are a fan of live music - then order yourself some of free Face The Music posters and leaflets so that you can take action in your area.