Resource Hub
The Busker's Playbook
Downloads, legal templates, and essential advocacy tools for the UK street performance community.
Nation-Level Rules
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England & Wales: Governed by the Licensing Act 2003. PSPOs are the primary restriction tool.
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Scotland: Civic Government Act 1982. Police have statutory powers to stop annoyance.
Legal & Welfare
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Trading Allowance: Guidance on the £1,000 tax-free allowance for small incomes.
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Safe Space: Reporting tools for safety and welfare issues in the industry.
Digital Donations
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Cashless Tips: QR code systems and card reader comparisons for street work.
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PRS/PPL: Clarification on music licensing exemptions for buskers.
Musicians' Union - Guide for Buskers
Detailed guidance explaining that busking is generally not licensable under the Licensing Act 2003. Covers highway obstruction, signage rules, local guidance, and the Control of Pollution Act 1974 regarding amplified music.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEGOV.UK - Busking Licence (England & Wales)
Official government summary of council busking permits. Covers noise restrictions, highway blocking, payment rules, designated areas, and the rule that children under 14 cannot busk.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEKeep Streets Live - Tips for Responsible Busking
Campaign organisation promoting buskers' rights. Tips explain licensing exceptions for London boroughs, encourage sharing space, keeping volume reasonable, moving after 2 hours, and resolving complaints politely.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEBusk in London (Greater London Authority)
London-wide initiative encouraging boroughs, landowners, police and performers to adopt a voluntary code of conduct and self-policing complaints resolution. Aims to minimise regulation.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEThe Busking Project (UK)
Advocacy platform that maps busking pitches, promotes street performance and provides online profiles, QR codes and contactless tipping tools for buskers.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEMU Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance covers performers against liability for injury or property damage. MU membership includes £10 million PLI and downloadable certificates.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEPPL PRS - Music Licence for Performers
Guidance on music licensing from PPL PRS. Performers usually need a licence to play recorded or live music in public. Busking is generally exempt when voluntary donations are sought.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEMU - Card Readers for Buskers
How small card readers (SumUp, Zettle) let buskers accept contactless/mobile payments. Devices cost £20-50, providers charge 1.5-3% per transaction. Some allow fixed repeat payment amounts.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGECashless Payments on Busk.co
Everything you need to know about accepting cashless tips using The Busking Project's QR code system.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEMU - Tax Guidance for Musicians
Advises self-employed musicians to register with HMRC, keep records and pay tax on profits. If annual profits exceed £12,570, Class 2 and 4 NI contributions apply.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEHMRC Trading Allowance
Guidance on the £1,000 tax-free trading allowance for small incomes. Buskers earning under this threshold may not need to register for Self Assessment.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEControl of Pollution Act 1974
National legislation restricting noise. MU warns that amplified music between 9pm and 8am can breach the Act.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEMU Safe Space Scheme
Reporting tool for sexual harassment and safety issues in the music industry. Provides confidential support for performers.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEWestminster Busking Policy
PERMIT REQUIRED. £10/month or £20/6 months. 26 designated pitches. Amplification on specific pitches only. Requires photo ID, £2m PLI, proof of right to work.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGECamden Busking Licence
PERMIT REQUIRED for amplifiers, drums, certain wind instruments, performances outside 10am-9pm, or groups of 3+. £150 for 24 months. Borough-wide coverage.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEEdinburgh Busking Guidance
NO PERMIT REQUIRED. Busking 9am-9pm. Move 50m after 1 hour. Keep 50m from other buskers. Avoid doorways/cashpoints. Considerate volume.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEBrighton & Hove Busking Guidance
NO PERMIT REQUIRED. 10am-10pm. Move 50m every hour. Avoid amplifiers and drums. Reasonable volume for immediate audience only.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEBristol Busking Guidance
NO PERMIT REQUIRED. 10:00-23:00. Max 90 minutes per pitch. Just above ambient noise. Don't block doorways or fire exits.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEManchester Busking Code of Conduct
NO PERMIT REQUIRED. 90 min limit per location, no return within 24hrs. 50m from tram tracks and other buskers. NO amplifiers or drums/trumpets.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGELiverpool Busking Guidelines
NO PERMIT REQUIRED (unless targeting children or selling items). Small battery amps only, no petrol/diesel generators. 50m between performers.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGECardiff Voluntary Busking Guidelines
NO PERMIT REQUIRED (trial voluntary guidelines). 10am-7pm. Max 90 minutes per pitch. Amplification only slightly above ambient levels (not audible 20m away).
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEKeep Streets Live Campaign
Campaigns against restrictive PSPOs. Home Office guidance says PSPOs should not prevent busking, yet several councils have imposed them. KSL offers support to challenge such orders.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGELondon Performers at Risk - BBC Report
BBC London report on the impact of new regulations and PSPOs on street performers in the capital.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEHow to Accept Contactless Tips - Video
Video guide by a musician explaining how to set up and accept contactless tips while busking.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGELicensing Act 2003 (Schedule 1)
The key legislation confirming busking is exempt from entertainment licensing when voluntary contributions are sought (not a charge for admission).
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEPart V: LLAA 2000 (London Local Authorities Act)
The specific section regarding licensing of buskers in London boroughs. Original legislation text.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGECivic Government (Scotland) Act 1982
Section 54 empowers Scottish police to require buskers to stop if causing annoyance or impeding the public. Equipment may be seized on refusal.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEAnti-social Behaviour Act 2014
The legislation enabling Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs). Home Office guidance explicitly states these should not be used to ban busking.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEBuskers Unregulated - Complete Legal Guide
Comprehensive guide to UK busking and the law. Understand your rights on the public highway.
ACCESS KNOWLEDGEFilming in Public - Legal Guidance
Legal guidance for filming in public spaces (UK). Know the rules for capturing your performance.
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