"Busking is a form of creative work and should be respected. It is part of the cultural fabric of our cities and towns". Photo: © Jeff Spicer, PA Media Assignments.
The photocall follows a City of London Magistrates Court ruling that marked busking in Leicester Square as a “statutory nuisance” and compared it to “psychological torture techniques”. The ruling effectively banned busking in the area, silencing musicians and setting a dangerous precedent in London and across the UK.
The MU, which is supporting the buskers, believes the court ruling to be unfair and that buskers working within the law should not be punished for simply doing their job. Over 1000 people have signed a petition in support.
Those calling on Westminster Council to find new viable and accessible busking pitches in the borough include London Assembly Member Zack Polanski of the Green Party, pictured below with MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl. The campaign is also backed by Equity and the Westminster Street Performers Association (WSPA).
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Photo: © Jeff Spicer, PA Media Assignments.
Busking is part of London’s history
Busker and MU member Roman said: “Without any record deals or popularity, busking in London has offered me a place to make big shows out of nothing in front of people from all around the world.
“I’m scared for any new musician who wants to come to London with the same dream – but will be refused the opportunity to perform. It’s a part of London history that has to live on and not be stopped by a couple of individuals with high power.”
Opening doors for working class musicians
Busker and MU member Serena Kaos said: “Busking opened doors for me as a working class musician, when the wider music industry barely opens any.
“At the same time, it brings life to streets and allows people to enjoy themselves, basically for free. It is heartbreaking that, once again, a council is choosing the ‘easy way out’, simply erasing cultural avenues and expressions whenever that's the desire of a few shareholders.”
Busking is a creative career
MU London Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush said: “Busking is a form of creative work and should be respected. It is part of the cultural fabric of our cities and towns, with Leicester Square being one of the capital’s most iconic cultural spaces.
“Buskers help to entice and attract the attention of people who then shop in local businesses and spend time in local restaurants and cafes. In fact, businesses in Leicester Square have anecdotally reported to the campaign a drop in footfall since the court ruling effectively banned busking in the area.
“People who busk in Leicester Square are licensed and have to adhere to strict guidelines whilst performing to ensure they avoid causing a nuisance. Those already working within the law should not be punished for simply doing their job. We are urging Westminster Council to find new pitches which are viable and accessible.”