A Guide for Buskers and Street Performers in the UK

Busking is a vital platform for many skilled musicians, providing not just a way to earn a living, but also a way to share their talent with the public. For many of our members, this is their primary source of income, and their contributions enrich the cultural landscape across the UK.

The MU has contributed to various agreements and busking guidance with local authorities across the UK. Our approach is predicated on inclusion and dialogue, and whether there’s any negative impact, self-policing, dispute resolution, and step escalation.

To protect busking across the UK, the MU’s regional teams work with street performers, local authorities, Keep Streets Live, and other groups to protect and improve conditions for buskers. This includes the production of regional guides for busking, which include information on codes, licences or schemes that the MU has been involved with or made aware of, which you can find below.

Generally, busking is not considered a licensable activity under the Licensing Act 2003 and the MU is opposed to the notion of licensing busking and buskers. It is legal to perform on public ground, although restrictions that may be in place include – but are not necessarily limited to – blocking public highways (footpaths, pavements, open pedestrian areas), displaying notices asking for payment, carrying out street trading, or busking in certain areas for certain periods of time.

Through our research into busking schemes nationwide, many local authorities offer helpful guidelines for buskers, which are widely welcomed by performers. For any musicians planning to busk in the UK, it’s essential to check the local authority website for any advice or guidance in the area where you intend to perform before you busk.

Useful tips for buskers

Community

Every busking pitch operates differently. If somewhere is popular with buskers, then there’s usually some form of official or non-official community of buskers, also known as Street Performers Associations (SPA).

These groups can be a great resource for questions about busking in the sector or understanding the local area. They also might guide you on things like the best places and times to busk in a specific location, info on the queuing system and average set lengths, or any history or best practice guidance you need to be aware of.

One of the best ways to ensure a positive busking experience is to engage with the local community. Building good relationships from the outset can make a big difference.

Choosing the right location

It’s not just about choosing the right destination; it’s also about finding the right spot within that location. What works for another performer might not work for you, so this can be trial and error, but the more you busk, the more you’ll start to know what to look out for. Some local authorities recommend busking spots. However, some areas have specific guidance for sensitive locations, so make sure you check before you set up.

A good pitch allows people to approach from multiple directions. Look for cross-sections, benches, and other spots that attract foot traffic. But if you or your audience block pathways, doorways, fire exits, or other important spots, then you may be causing an obstruction and could be told to stop.

It's all about striking a balance between buskers, pedestrians, residents, business owners and the community. Ask if you’re not sure.

Volume and acoustics

Managing your volume is an important aspect of busking - remember that amplified music beyond 9:00 pm and before 8:00 am is an offence under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. View more information on how councils deal with noise complaints.

If there aren’t designated pitches, give other performers around you space and make sure there is plenty of distance between you and other musicians to avoid disturbing their set.

Acoustics play a huge role in how sound travels. Buildings, open spaces, and reflective surfaces can amplify or distort your sound in unexpected ways. Hard surfaces, like glass and concrete, can reflect noise and can make it travel farther, while softer materials, like trees, may absorb this and reduce its reach.

Weather conditions also affect how your music is heard. For example, warm air can help sound travel faster, while cold air or wind can limit its reach or change the direction. So, what seems ok to someone standing in front of you might be surprisingly loud or barely audible for someone further away.

Busking adds so much to the community, and adjusting your set-up based on your surroundings ensures a better experience for both your audience and those nearby.

Timing is everything

When it comes to busking, timing can make a big difference. This isn’t just important for your audience, but also to make sure you are abiding by the Environmental Protection Act 1990’s provisions relating to statutory nuisance. So, plan your set accordingly to catch the best crowds, while ensuring compliance with the law.

Your performance

To keep things interesting, consider varying your performance. After your set, it's a good idea to move to a new pitch; most guidelines suggest a distance of at least 50 metres away. Another tip is to leave enough time between repeating songs, especially in shorter sets.

Handling complaints and enforcement

Different areas have different approaches to enforcement. Some local authorities or areas have strict rules or licensing schemes, and the MU challenge these where we can, while others prefer voluntary guidelines.

If someone has a complaint, try to resolve it informally. If that doesn't work, there might be an escalation process involving council officers and, in extreme cases, legal action. MU members can contact their Regional Office if they need any advice. 

Safety

When busking, it's important to be mindful of your own safety and the security of your equipment.

If you encounter difficult or abusive behaviour, or feel unsafe or threatened, you should call 999 to report a crime in progress or if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

When you have a choice over where to busk, try to choose well-lit, busy areas where you feel comfortable and visible. It’s also worth thinking ahead about how you’ll travel to and from your busking location safely, especially if you’re carrying equipment or travelling during early hours or late at night. It’s also a good idea to let someone you trust know where you’ll be busking and what time you expect to be back. Some performers also choose to carry a personal alarm as an added precaution.

Some local authorities have dedicated officers or teams you can report incidents to, so it’s a good idea to save their contact details in advance in case you need to get in touch.

The MU's Safe Space Scheme provides an opportunity for musicians to share instances of sexism, sexual harassment and sexual abuse in the music industry. You can also report your own experiences or cases that you have witnessed, using our reporting tool.

If you would like advice on how to raise any concerns you have while busking, you can talk to us. Contact your Regional Office for advice and assistance. The MU also have help and support resources for sexual harassment.

To prevent theft or damage, some buskers suggest using cases or locks, while others tether their equipment together. We provide a wide range of insurances and schemes as part of MU membership.

To reduce the need to carry cash, many use contactless payment devices. You can read our musicians’ guide to card readers here. If you do accept cash donations, it's a good idea to empty donation receptacles regularly to avoid displaying large amounts of money.

Insurance and MU membership

MU members have access to a range of insurance benefits designed to support members in their professional work.

This includes public liability insurance with cover up to £10 million per member, personal accident cover, tax investigation insurance and professional indemnity insurance.  Local authorities increasingly require written evidence that buskers have public liability insurance (PLI) before they can play. MU members can access their PLI certificate online here.

When you join the MU, you gain access to a range of instrument insurance policies and specialist services. This includes worldwide cover for musical instruments and equipment up to £3,000, as well as up to £200 per incident (with a maximum of £500 per insurance year) for the hire of alternative instruments or equipment. More comprehensive protection is also available at discounted rates.

However, it’s important to note that instrument insurance isn’t automatically applied when you join the MU - you need to register for the insurance scheme online to activate your cover.

View more information on MU member benefits.

Health and wellbeing

Busking often means being exposed to the elements for long periods, whether it’s sun, wind, rain, or cold weather. It's important to be prepared for various temperatures and conditions, not just for yourself, but also for your instruments and gear.

Many musicians also juggle teaching, other musical projects, and personal commitments which can feel overwhelming at times. If you're feeling unwell or overwhelmed, try to take time to rest and recover. Some buskers suggest using downtime to catch up on admin, or to refine your setlist if you’re feeling up to it.

Tips for wellbeing:

• You are not alone: The industry is taking action to provide mental health support for musicians. The MU offers more information on this support as part of our Musicians’ Wellbeing Guidance Pack.
• Stay physically healthy: Regular exercise and proper posture can prevent injuries. View our stay healthy on tour advice, as well as more information and tips on self care, and healthcare services.
• Use hearing protection: The Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme provides access to audiologists who specialise in musicians’ hearing and bespoke hearing protection, at an affordable and subsidised price.
• Vocal Health: The voice is arguably the most personal instrument of all, but also one of the most injury-prone. View the MU’s advice for singers on how to maintain good vocal health, and getting help when you need it.
• Financial aid: Financial hardship can lead to significant stress and anxiety, impacting both mental and physical wellbeing. With an MU membership you can access individual grants, along with other sources of financial aid.