Buskers Code of Conduct

Buskers and street entertainers are generally welcomed by town centre shops, businesses, and shoppers; however, this is not always the case.

To help ensure a positive experience for all, Burnley Borough Council has decided to introduce a Code of Conduct for Buskers and Street entertainers wishing to perform on the streets of Burnley. Hopefully, by following this simple guide and by being considerate to those around you, your presence will be encouraged. The Code of Conduct and billing for busking will be managed by Burnley BID.

However, Burnley Borough Council will investigate complaints received against buskers and street entertainers. Initially staff from the Business Improvement District team (BID)/Charter Walk Shopping Centre/PCSO’s/Police or authorised officers from the Burnley Borough Council will investigate complaints, and if they are satisfied that the complaint is substantiated, they will ask you to move on or turn down the volume. However, if there is evidence that the activity is a nuisance, Burnley Borough Council will take action against the person/s responsible which could result in a fine and equipment being seized.

There are three busking sites which Buskers and street entertainers can only play in each location for 90 minutes at a time and buskers can not return to the same location on the same day. These busking sites are as follows:

  • St James’s Street (near McDonalds)
  • Curzon Street outside Primark,
  • St James’s Street bottom of Manchester Road

Busking slots are available as follows:

10:00am – 11:30am

12:00pm – 1:30pm

2:00pm – 3:30pm

Bookings can be made by visiting: https://burnleybid.co.uk/busking

Registration requirement

  • All buskers must register before performing.
  • Performers are required to provide an official form of ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license) during registration.
  • Public liability insurance (min £1million) is mandatory for all performers to cover any potential damages or injuries during their acts.
  • A registration fee will apply.

Performance Zones

  • Buskers are only allowed to perform in designated areas within the town centre this will be allocated on registration. These areas are chosen to balance the enjoyment of street performances with the need to minimise disruption to businesses and residents.
  • Performances should not exceed one and a half hour (90 minutes) in one location to allow for a variety of acts.
  • Noise levels must be kept at a reasonable volume to avoid disturbing nearby businesses and residents.
  • From time to time, there may be special events arranged in the town centre, and on these occasions the Burnley Borough Council may decide to introduce other restricted zones for short periods. Please respect requests to avoid these areas if you are asked to by Burnley Borough Council staff.

Volume

  • We discourage the use of amplifiers, if amplifiers are used these must be kept a reasonable level of volume. If you are asked by designated officers to reduce volume you must do so immediately, or your performance permit will be withdrawn.
  • You must only perform at a level loud enough to reach passers-by and not to cause annoyance to those working in shops or offices nearby.

Content and Behaviour

  • Buskers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner.
  • Harassment or aggressive behaviour towards the public, businesses, organisations or other performers will not be tolerated.
  • Buskers must not aggressively solicit money from the public.
  • Performances should not include offensive or inappropriate content.
  • The use of alcohol or drugs during performances is strictly prohibited.

Respect for Public Space and Safety

  • Buskers must keep their performance area clean and free of litter.
  • No obstruction of pathways or entrances to businesses is permitted.
  • Buskers should be mindful of the audience and ensure that performances are family friendly.
  • Performers must ensure that their setup does not pose a safety hazard to the public.
  • All performances should be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Complaints and breaches of this code of conduct

  • The code of conduct has been introduced to help reduce the potential for complaints against street entertainers and to help maintain the peaceful character of the town centre for those using it.
  • We believe that the code of conduct is fair, balanced and will help to promote good relationships between street entertainers, town centre visitors, local businesses and Burnley BC. However, the Council will not tolerate unreasonable behaviour, and complaints will be taken seriously.
  • This code of conduct will be reviewed annually or sooner if the code of conduct is being breeched, and further controls may be introduced if it is felt that the guidance is not being followed, giving rise to an increase in complaints.

Links to further information:

Burnley Borough Council PSPO