Westminster City Council has announced plans to increase the regulation of street performers. But many fear they will be kicked out of Covent Garden by Christmas.
Street performers have been found in Covent Garden since the 1600s.
The licences limit the use of amplification and sharp objects like knives.
The Covent Garden Street Performers Association says Westminster Council’s proposal could put an end to the art form.
Since April 2021, the Council has received more than 5,000 complaints about buskers and street performers, with around half of these related to noise.
Just 5% of these reports relate to Covent Garden.
Westminster Council stated: “Buskers and street entertainers are a vibrant part of our city’s culture and a popular attraction for visitors.
“It is important to strike a balance so that residents and businesses are not impacted with noisy performances or large crowds causing disruption”.
Performing arts and entertainment trade union Equity say these “Street Performers have successfully regulated themselves for decades” and are “calling on Westminster Councillors to reverse Street Performance licensing in Covent Garden.”
Cllr Aicha Less, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Public Protection and Licensing, said: “We are not looking to introduce a ban on street performers and never have done.
“Buskers and street entertainers are a vibrant part of our city’s culture and a popular attraction for visitors throughout the city.”
Westminster Council will vote on the plans at the start of next month.
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HeadlineWestminster City Council to vote on Covent Garden busking ban
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StandfirstA performing arts union is protesting a limit on street performers' use of amplification and sharp objects.
Westminster City Council has announced plans to increase the regulation of street performers. But many fear they will be kicked out of Covent Garden by Christmas.
Street performers have been found in Covent Garden since the 1600s.
The licences limit the use of amplification and sharp objects like knives.
The Covent Garden Street Performers Association says Westminster Council’s proposal could put an end to the art form.
Since April 2021, the Council has received more than 5,000 complaints about buskers and street performers, with around half of these related to noise.
Just 5% of these reports relate to Covent Garden.
Westminster Council stated: “Buskers and street entertainers are a vibrant part of our city’s culture and a popular attraction for visitors.
“It is important to strike a balance so that residents and businesses are not impacted with noisy performances or large crowds causing disruption”.
Performing arts and entertainment trade union Equity say these “Street Performers have successfully regulated themselves for decades” and are “calling on Westminster Councillors to reverse Street Performance licensing in Covent Garden.”
Cllr Aicha Less, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Public Protection and Licensing, said: “We are not looking to introduce a ban on street performers and never have done.
“Buskers and street entertainers are a vibrant part of our city’s culture and a popular attraction for visitors throughout the city.”
Westminster Council will vote on the plans at the start of next month.
