New rules for street performers in Westminster are under discussion this week as Westminster council propose several reforms to their existing rules surrounding street performers.
The reforms fall into several categories, from safeguards for children and vulnerable adults to changes to the existing codes of conduct for performers as well as removing permissions to amplify in some regions of Leicester Square.
‘It is only right we review the scheme.’
In a statement provided to City News, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities for Children and Public Protection, Cllr Aicha Less stated:
“Street entertainers and buskers will continue to be part of our city’s brilliant culture and a popular attraction for visitors throughout the city. However, it is only right we review the scheme occasionally to respond to issues where necessary.”
Street performer in Covent Garden – Rufus Treverton-Jones
‘The problem is always down to amplification.’
One of the issues that is top of the agenda for Covent Garden resident and co-chair of the Covent Garden Community Association Elizabeth Baxes is the use of amplifiers.
For Elizabeth, living in Covent Garden means a constant bombardment of sound from street performers’ amps.
“The problem is always down to amplification. If they are musicians, they will know how to level, but the backing tracks have only gotten louder and more intense over the years.”
Covent Garden resident Elizabeth Baxes – Rufus Treverton Jones
“There is no respect for anyone in the area”.
Speaking to City News, Elizabeth recounted how even her most personal moments have been interrupted by the noise created by street performers in her area.
“The end of my husband’s funeral was interrupted by jazz music. He wasn’t a jazz enthusiast, and everybody was like, ‘ What on earth was that?’ There is no respect for anyone in the area.”
Elizabeth made clear that she only considers street performers’ behaviour an issue once they are confronted about their noise levels.
“If you try to speak to them and there are a few people around, they will start shaming you”.
Elizabeth believes a total ban on amplifiers in the area or stricter enforcement of acceptable decibel levels is a solution to consider.
“Sheer cultural vandalism.”
However, for contortionist and Covent Garden Street Performers representative Pete Kolofsky, aka ‘Heavy Metal Pete, ’ criticism of street performers in the area is unwarranted.
Street performer ‘heavy metal’ Pete Kolofsky – Rufus Treverton Jones
Speaking to City New, ‘Heavy Metal’ Pete said
“We found a lot of the complaints levelled against us were actually about Pedi cabs and street preachers.”
And regarding criticism specifically targeted at street performers’ use of amplifiers and the high decibel readings that come from it specifically Pete stated:
“A private individual making allegations about decibel reading does not hold water to me.”
“Restrictive licensing schemes are restricting street performers.”
‘Heavy Metal Pete’ is critical not just of the new rules under consultation but also of the existing licensing laws for street performers. He believes that the scheme for performers imposed by the council is “fundamentally broken” and any additional rules around amplification or reforms to street performers’ code of conduct would only have negative consequences.
“If they (Westminster Council) enforce the current licence scheme in its current form, it will result in the slow death of the Covent Garden Street theatre. In my organisation’s opinion, it amounts to sheer cultural vandalism.”
Street performers are vital to London’s cultural landscape, according to Pete Kolofsky – Rufus Treveron-Jones
For ‘Heavy Metal Pete’, street performers are vital to London’s cultural landscape:
“The Covent Garden estate as it exists today wouldn’t be here without street performers; if it weren’t for street theatre, none of the shops or businesses would be here”.
City News has approached Westminster Council for comment on Pete Kolofsky’s claims, but the council have yet to comment.
The councils consultation period will last until the 19 April 2024.
Residents can join the discussion here:
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlinePerformers warn of ‘cultural vandalism’ as Westminister reviews busking rules
Short HeadlinePerformers concerned as Westminster reviews busking rules
StandfirstWestminster council reviewing performers code of conduct, child protection and the use of amps.
New rules for street performers in Westminster are under discussion this week as Westminster council propose several reforms to their existing rules surrounding street performers.
The reforms fall into several categories, from safeguards for children and vulnerable adults to changes to the existing codes of conduct for performers as well as removing permissions to amplify in some regions of Leicester Square.
‘It is only right we review the scheme.’
In a statement provided to City News, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities for Children and Public Protection, Cllr Aicha Less stated:
“Street entertainers and buskers will continue to be part of our city’s brilliant culture and a popular attraction for visitors throughout the city. However, it is only right we review the scheme occasionally to respond to issues where necessary.”
Street performer in Covent Garden – Rufus Treverton-Jones
‘The problem is always down to amplification.’
One of the issues that is top of the agenda for Covent Garden resident and co-chair of the Covent Garden Community Association Elizabeth Baxes is the use of amplifiers.
For Elizabeth, living in Covent Garden means a constant bombardment of sound from street performers’ amps.
“The problem is always down to amplification. If they are musicians, they will know how to level, but the backing tracks have only gotten louder and more intense over the years.”
Covent Garden resident Elizabeth Baxes – Rufus Treverton Jones
“There is no respect for anyone in the area”.
Speaking to City News, Elizabeth recounted how even her most personal moments have been interrupted by the noise created by street performers in her area.
“The end of my husband’s funeral was interrupted by jazz music. He wasn’t a jazz enthusiast, and everybody was like, ‘ What on earth was that?’ There is no respect for anyone in the area.”
Elizabeth made clear that she only considers street performers’ behaviour an issue once they are confronted about their noise levels.
“If you try to speak to them and there are a few people around, they will start shaming you”.
Elizabeth believes a total ban on amplifiers in the area or stricter enforcement of acceptable decibel levels is a solution to consider.
“Sheer cultural vandalism.”
However, for contortionist and Covent Garden Street Performers representative Pete Kolofsky, aka ‘Heavy Metal Pete, ’ criticism of street performers in the area is unwarranted.
Street performer ‘heavy metal’ Pete Kolofsky – Rufus Treverton Jones
Speaking to City New, ‘Heavy Metal’ Pete said
“We found a lot of the complaints levelled against us were actually about Pedi cabs and street preachers.”
And regarding criticism specifically targeted at street performers’ use of amplifiers and the high decibel readings that come from it specifically Pete stated:
“A private individual making allegations about decibel reading does not hold water to me.”
“Restrictive licensing schemes are restricting street performers.”
‘Heavy Metal Pete’ is critical not just of the new rules under consultation but also of the existing licensing laws for street performers. He believes that the scheme for performers imposed by the council is “fundamentally broken” and any additional rules around amplification or reforms to street performers’ code of conduct would only have negative consequences.
“If they (Westminster Council) enforce the current licence scheme in its current form, it will result in the slow death of the Covent Garden Street theatre. In my organisation’s opinion, it amounts to sheer cultural vandalism.”
Street performers are vital to London’s cultural landscape, according to Pete Kolofsky – Rufus Treveron-Jones
For ‘Heavy Metal Pete’, street performers are vital to London’s cultural landscape:
“The Covent Garden estate as it exists today wouldn’t be here without street performers; if it weren’t for street theatre, none of the shops or businesses would be here”.
City News has approached Westminster Council for comment on Pete Kolofsky’s claims, but the council have yet to comment.
The councils consultation period will last until the 19 April 2024.
Residents can join the discussion here:
