Child performance licence: Manchester
Manchester City Council licenses children who live in Manchester.As much notice as possible. Applications less than 7 days ahead generally aren’t accepted; processing takes up to 10 working days.
Last checked 28 October 2026
- How to apply
- Online form.
- Notice for a licence
- As much notice as possible. Applications less than 7 days ahead generally aren’t accepted; processing takes up to 10 working days.
Manchester City Council’s page
From Manchester City Council’s own website on 28 October 2026. Councils change their forms often, so follow their page if it differs.
Do your children need a licence at all?
Not if they’re unpaid, don’t miss school, and haven’t performed on more than 3 days in the 6 months before each show day (the 4-day rule), or if your show has a BOPA. Children who live outside Manchester are licensed by their own council.
Sources
- Manchester City Council: child performance licensing (checked 28 October 2026)
- The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014 (checked 28 October 2026)
- Children and Young Persons Act 1963, section 37 (England, Wales and Scotland) (checked 28 October 2026)
Beginners Call is an information tool, not legal advice. It reads the law the way the Department for Education’s advice does, but your council makes the decision. If in doubt, ask them.
Want the full kit?
I’m deciding whether to build the rest: a cast list that tracks each child’s days across every show, a chaperone rota that won’t let you go over 12, and daily records on your phone. Leave your email and I’ll write once when it’s ready, or not at all if it isn’t built.