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South West England

Bath Busking Guide

Bath & North East Somerset Council welcomes busking. No permit required for performance, but a street trading consent is needed to sell merchandise.

Quick Facts

No Permit Required

For general busking

Volume Control

Below ambient noise

Be Considerate

Share pitches fairly

Official Guidance for Busking in Bath



Council: Bath & North East Somerset Council

Permit Required: No – busking is unlicensed. However, selling CDs or merchandise requires a Buskers Street Trading Consent (£89 new, £46 renewal, valid April-Sept or Oct-March).

Key Rules



  • Performance Duration: Maximum 1 hour per location

  • Movement: Must move at least 100 metres between pitches

  • Return Time: Cannot return to same location for 4 hours

  • Hours: Busking allowed 10am - 8pm only

  • Volume: Amplification must stay below ambient street noise

  • Fixed Pitches: None – but popular spots include Union Street, Stall Street, Bath Abbey Churchyard, Abbey Green, Old Bond Street, and Kingsmead Square


    • Contact



    Email: council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk

    Official Resources



  • Rules for busking and street performance in Bath

    • Official Resources

    Official Busking Rules
    Street Trading Consent

    Disclaimer

    This information is compiled from official council sources for guidance purposes. Rules may change and we recommend checking with the local council directly for the most up-to-date regulations. Keep Streets Live is not responsible for any enforcement actions resulting from busking activities.

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