Hyndburn Borough Council
Accrington Guidance
Busking Best Practice
Introduction
Hyndburn Borough Council values the contribution made by buskers and street performers in helping to create vibrant and enjoyable town centres. However inconsiderate busking can cause disturbance to businesses who may find it difficult to serve customers or use telephones due to loud noise.
Hyndburn has after appropriate consultation drawn up this code of good practice. It is intended to assist artists, performers, police, the local authority, residents and businesses alike.
The aim is for this guide to promote good and neighbourly relations between users of shared public spaces in the Borough.
Hyndburn Borough Council encourages street performers, local businesses, residents, public officials and members of the public to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve any issues that may arise through compromise and co-operation.
Most complaints about ‘busking’ apply to a small number of performers and relate to noise levels, repetitive performances and obstruction.
What is Busking?
For the purposes of this code, ‘busking’ will be used to describe a performance of art, theatre or music in a public space with the intention of entertaining or engaging with members of the public.
Typically a busker is not paid or hired directly for their performances. In essence it is the public element of performance that defines its nature. A vibrant busking culture is often an important attraction for visitors to a town, adding colour and enjoyment to shared spaces.
Busking performances are normally impromptu, informal and spontaneous. The aim of this Best Practice Guide is to foster a vibrant street culture whilst making provisions for premises owners and the local authority to resolve issues that may occasionally arise around street art and performances.
For Performers
Pitch Selection
Accrington is a relatively small town so it is preferable if you do not visit the area more than once a week in order to preserve the diversity of performers and prevent acts monopolising space.
Choose your pitch with consideration for others. Be certain not to block pathways or shop entrances. Introduce yourself to nearby businesses.
Always be courteous to Council officers and Police. Remember that you are a public ambassador for the wider street performance community.
For Community
Resolving Issues
If there is a street performer causing you a disturbance, make yourself known to them. Usually, they may not be aware and will want to resolve it amicably.
Wait for a suitable interval in the performance. Intervening during a performance will likely upset them and the audience.
Explain your problem in a polite and calm way. compromise is often possible through adjusting volume or moving location.
Noise or Nuisance?
Noise is all around us. A busker needs to be heard above the level of ambient street noise, within a certain radius, for their performance to be effective.
Performances that are repetitive in nature are more likely to be experienced as intrusive. An unpleasant sound can be experienced as louder than a pleasing sound which is actually at a higher noise level.
Acoustic Guide
As a guide, your level should be just above the level of ambient street noise, but not intrusively so. A small, battery powered amp should be sufficient for most busker’s needs.
Dos & Don'ts
The Dos
- • Introduce yourself to shopkeepers before starting.
- • Select your pitch with consideration for pathways.
- • Play acoustically if possible.
- • Take regular breaks to avoid acoustic fatigue.
The Don'ts
- • Don't repeat the same material in the same pitch.
- • Don't set volume well above street ambient noise.
- • Don't set up within 50 metres of another performer.
- • Don't offer merchandise for sale in-pitch.
