PPL and PRS for Music join forces to co-host stage at Handmade 2017

PPL and PRS for Music have come together to co-host the second stage at Handmade Festival 2017.

The UK music licensing organisations will co-host the Leicester-based music festival’s second stage on the Saturday and Sunday (April 29 & 30).

The partnership comes as the organisations launch a music industry joint venture in Leicester, expected to open for business later in the year.

Headlining the PPL and PRS for Music stage will be Cabbage on the Saturday, and Brum’s JAWS and Superfood on Sunday. The stage will also feature performances from Demob Happy, Baba Naga, Happyness, Charlotte Carpenter and Shame.

PPL licence recorded music in the UK when it’s played in public and broadcast, and ensure that revenue flows back to its members. In 2015, they collected £197m and paid over 71,000 performers and record companies.

PRS for Music represents the rights of 125,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in the UK. They ensure creators are paid whenever their music is played, performed or reproduced.

Speaking about the partnership, director of Handmade John Helps said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have PRS and PPL involved in Handmade this year. It’s important for us to work with organisations who support musicians as much as they do, and who are involved at every level – from new and emerging talent upwards.

“It’s particularly poignant to have them as part of Handmade this year as part of their business moves to premises in Leicester. We look forward to welcoming them to a city that has such a fertile creative community, which nurtures its new acts and produces such a diverse range of music across its venues and events.”

Handmade Festival is now in its fourth year, and is a multi-venue city-based music and arts festival. This year will see it revolve around two key venues; O2 Academy Leicester and the Attenborough Arts Centre. It will take place between April 28 and 30.

Headlining the 2017 lineup are Twin Atlantic and Frightened Rabbit, with the likes of British Sea Power, Honeyblood and Pulled Apart By Horses also making an appearance.

Tickets are still available here.