Charlene Hegarty, a well-regarded advocate for musicians and a prominent figure in NI’s music scene, has been appointed as the first permanent Regional Officer for the Musicians’ Union (MU) in Northern Ireland. This appointment highlights Charlene’s extensive experience and dedication to supporting the local music community and reflects the MU’s commitment to addressing the needs of musicians across the region.

With her background at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Charlene brings a wealth of expertise and a strong connection to the Northern Irish music scene. In her new role, she will focus on providing essential support in areas such as contract negotiations, legal advice, and career development, ensuring that local musicians have a voice and access to the resources they need.

As part of the MU’s Scotland and Northern Ireland team, Charlene will work to strengthen advocacy efforts, expand resources, and support the continued growth of Northern Ireland’s diverse music scene. Her appointment builds on the region’s status as a UNESCO City of Music and its track record of producing exceptional talent.

In a statement, Charlene said: “I will work tirelessly to make sure the working musicians of Northern Ireland feel the full power of the Musicians Union on their side. This is an important progress point for Northern Ireland and the Musicians Union and I believe the musicians of the region can now feel more confident and supported in the important work they do.”

To celebrate this new role, the Musicians’ Union is hosting a ‘Show One to Showcase’ Panel & Mixer at the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast on Tuesday, 3rd December, from 5–8 PM. The free event is open to both MU members and non-members, providing an opportunity to learn more about the Union’s work in Northern Ireland.

Find out more.