Busking In The Quarter

A new busking policy has begun in Westminster after a consultation process between performers, Westminster City Council, residents, neighbours and local Business Improvement Districts. Busking is an entertaining and well-loved part of London life but it’s important that there is enough room for buskers to perform safely and without causing disruption to businesses or residents.

Previously, buskers could perform at any public location. Under the new arrangements there are now 26 permitted marked pitches in Westminster. The regulated area, where it is not permitted to busk on public land, extend up to Marylebone Road and across to Edgeware Road. While there are no licensed spots in the Quarter there are two nearby at Old Quebec Street (near Oxford Street) and at Marble Arch (where amplification is also permitted). Performers now need to register with WCC for a licence. This will help make sure that there is enough room to perform and that performances are in appropriate spaces that can be monitored by the Council’s City Inspectors. Busking and street entertainment is permitted at any of the designated and marked pitches Monday to Sunday between the hours of 10am and 9pm and each performance should last no more than 40 minutes.

Did you dust off that guitar during lockdown and fancy having a go yourself? If you or anyone you know would like to perform in Westminster make sure they apply for a licence through WCC here. To read more about the new policy, visit the Westminster City Council website and if you have any specific issues with unlicensed busking  you can let our Street Safety Team know or email westminster.gov.uk/report-it or call WCC on 020 7641 2000.