Yes, permission is needed to use music at a live event regardless of:

• Whether the event is paid or free
• How many people are in attendance
• Whether live music or recordings are played

The licence must be obtained by either:

• The event organizer
• The company or organization whose premises host the event
• If there are multiple organizers, the designated main organizer

Permission is not needed for personal events such as weddings or birthdays nor for family celebrations and gatherings of friends. Other private events (customer events, personnel events) require a licence.

More information:
Organizing events with music