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Westminster Council: Back Your Buskers!

Sign the petition calling for new pitches in Westminster to replace those lost due to the Leicester Square busking ban.

Published: 09 July 2025 | 2:45 PM
A busker wearing a yellow Musicians' Union t-shirt surrounded by supporters with signs saying 'keep music live' at a busking demo in London in April.
Busking in Leicester Square is not a “nuisance” and not “torture.” It’s a form of creative work and should be respected. Photo: ©PA Media for the MU.

In spring 2025, City of London Magistrates Court ruled that busking in Leicester Square was a “statutory nuisance” and compared it to “psychological torture techniques.”

The ruling effectively banned busking in the area – and sets a dangerous precedent in London and across the UK.

Now, buskers in the Musicians’ Union London region are campaigning for new viable and accessible busking pitches in Westminster to replace those lost in Leicester Square.

The campaign is backed by Equity and the Westminster Street Performers Association (WSPA).

Busking opens doors to musicians

Busking in Leicester Square is not a “nuisance” and not “torture.” It’s a form of creative work and should be respected.

L.S, an MU member and busker campaigning for new pitches, said: "Ever since I started busking, it has given me so much - from building confidence and learning from experienced performers to receiving support from kind people from all over the world. It has allowed me to balance studying music, writing my album, and pursuing my dream of becoming a full time musician.”

Buskers are part of the cultural fabric of our cities and towns

Buskers also help to bring and keep people who then shop in local businesses and spend time in local restaurants and cafes. In fact, businesses in Leicester Square have reported a drop in footfall since the court ruling effectively banned busking in the area.

Speaking about its impact, busker and MU member Serena said: "Busking opened doors for me as a working-class musician, when the music industry barely opens any. At the same time, it brings life to streets that would otherwise entice no-one to stop by and enjoy themselves, basically for free.”

Busking is also regulated by local authorities. People who busk are licensed and have to adhere to strict noise limits. Buskers working within the law should not be punished for simply doing their job.

Show your support!

Tell Westminster Council to find new viable and accessible busking pitches in the borough to replace those lost in Leicester Square.

Have you already signed the petition?

Get support as a busker through MU membership

Street musicians can find support through the guidance and services that are a part of the MU membership.

You may need Public Liability Insurance to busk in some places.

Get support as a busker through MU membership

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Close up of male musician busking on the street, playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone.

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

MU members are being urged to challenge Birmingham’s busking ban by responding to the council’s consultation and logging their objections to the proposed new Public Space Protection Order by Sunday 25 May 2025.

Published: 20 May 2025

Read more about MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban