There is no provision in legislation for a busking licence, however, children under the age of 14 are not legally permitted to busk.
You do not require a busking licence to busk in the district of East Cambridgeshire.
Guidance for buskers
- music or voices must not be clearly heard beyond 30 metres. Amplifiers are discouraged and, if used, must be kept low enough to be heard only by people nearby, not inside adjacent premises.
- buskers may perform at one pitch for a maximum of one hour, then must move at least 50 metres away and must not return to the same spot (or within 50 metres) on the same day.
- buskers must be at least 100 metres away from another busker.
- performances must not obstruct pedestrians. Avoid fire exits, cash points, and doorways, and leave space for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
- no merchandise (e.g. CDs, posters) may be sold.
- if asked to reduce volume, buskers must do so.
- busking is permitted only between 09:00 and 17:00.
- no busking is allowed within Cathedral grounds.
- children under 14 may not busk.
Risk assessment
Everyone who performs in the street has a responsibility to do so safely, and should undertake a risk assessment and consider whether they should have public liability insurance cover.
Organised events
Where street performances are planned in advance, rather than simply impromptu occurrences, for example, by a larger group or as part of an organised event, then a licence may be required, usually by means of a Temporary Event Notice (TEN). Usually these require a minimum of ten working days notice to be given, unless a late TEN is applied for.
If you are affected by busking
If buskers are disturbing you, either where you live or outside your place of work, you should:
Approach the busker, and calmly explain that you are being troubled by noise. The busker may be unaware that they are causing a problem. Most will respond positively to a reasonable request and you may find it helpful to bring this advice leaflet to their attention.
If the problem persists, you can contact the Council for advice on 01353 665555. In the first instance an officer would visit to give advice to the busker. Failure to comply with this may result in an investigation for statutory nuisance and if necessary, further action may be taken.