Knowledge Base
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about busking, your rights, and how to perform legally in the UK.
No Licence Required
Most of UK
Tax Applicable
Self-employed
Not Begging
Value for money
Legal Activity
Protected rights
Busking is a spontaneous and informal performance of music or other art form where voluntary donations are invited from the public. These performances are not booked and are thus considered 'incidental' to other activities.
No. In the UK, busking is not a licensed activity on the Public Highway. This is made clear in the 2003 Licensing Act Sections 15.62-15.64.
The only exceptions are the boroughs of Camden, Hillingdon, Westminster and Greenwich which have enacted special powers under the London Local Authorities Act.
As no formal transaction takes place and no goods change hands, there is no need for a Street Trader's or Pedlar's licence.
The only exceptions are the boroughs of Camden, Hillingdon, Westminster and Greenwich which have enacted special powers under the London Local Authorities Act.
As no formal transaction takes place and no goods change hands, there is no need for a Street Trader's or Pedlar's licence.
Absolutely not. It has been established in UK law that busking is NOT begging as the performer offers 'value for money' — entertainment in exchange for voluntary contributions.
Yes. Busking is a form of taxable income. If you busk regularly, you should register as a self-employed musician/entertainer.
In practice, many of your expenses are tax-deductible, so you may only need to pay National Insurance contributions. You should also declare busking earnings if receiving any benefits or tax credits.
In practice, many of your expenses are tax-deductible, so you may only need to pay National Insurance contributions. You should also declare busking earnings if receiving any benefits or tax credits.
Responsible busking is the key to maintaining a healthy street culture. We've compiled a comprehensive guide covering pitch management, volume control, and community relations.
Read Our Responsible Busking Tips
Read Our Responsible Busking Tips
Busking is a lawful activity. Officers need reasonable grounds to ask you to move. Home Office guidance explicitly states that anti-social behaviour powers (like PSPOs) should not be used to prevent busking.
"We have made it clear in the statutory guidance that they should not use the new powers to stop reasonable activities such as busking..." — Baroness Williams
"We have made it clear in the statutory guidance that they should not use the new powers to stop reasonable activities such as busking..." — Baroness Williams
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If you have any more questions about busking and street performance, we're here to help.
