Buskers Code of Conduct

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

To help ensure a positive experience for everyone, Burnley Borough Council has introduced this Code of Conduct for buskers and street entertainers wishing to perform in Burnley town centre. By following this guidance and showing consideration for those around you, your presence will be encouraged. The Code of Conduct and busking bookings are administered by Burnley BID.

Burnley Borough Council will investigate complaints received about buskers and street entertainers. Initially, staff from Burnley BID, Charter Walk Shopping Centre, PCSOs, the Police or authorised officers of Burnley Council may investigate complaints. If they are satisfied that a complaint is substantiated, you may be asked to move to another location or reduce the volume of your performance.

Where there is evidence that a performance is causing a nuisance or is in breach of this Code of Conduct, Burnley Borough Council may take appropriate enforcement action, which could include a fine and/or the seizure of equipment.

There are three designated busking locations that can be booked. Buskers and street entertainers may perform at each location for a maximum of 90 minutes and must not return to the same location on the same day.

The designated busking locations are:

  • St James’s Street (near McDonald’s)
  • 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

Booking Requirements

  • All buskers must book before performing.
  • Booking slots may only be used by the person who made the booking.
  • Only one booking per location may be made by the same busker on any one day.
    • For example, a busker may book each of the designated locations during the available time slots but may not book more than one slot at the same location on the same day.
  • The maximum period for occupying any busking location is 90 minutes. Exceeding this time may result in future bookings being cancelled.
  • Performers are required to provide their name, address and contact details when making a booking.
  • Public liability insurance (minimum £1 million cover) is mandatory for all performers to cover any potential damage or injury arising from their performance.
  • A booking fee of £10 applies.

Performance Zones

  • Buskers may only perform in the designated location allocated during the booking process. These locations have been selected to balance the enjoyment of street performances with the need to minimise disruption to businesses, residents and visitors.
  • Performances must not exceed 90 minutes in any one location.
  • Noise levels must be kept at a reasonable level to avoid disturbing nearby businesses and residents.
  • From time to time, special events may take place within the town centre. On these occasions, Burnley Council may introduce temporary restricted areas. Please comply with any requests made by Burnley Council staff to avoid these areas.

Volume

  • The use of amplifiers is discouraged. Where amplifiers are used, they must be kept at a reasonable volume. If you are asked by an authorised officer to reduce the volume, you must do so immediately. Failure to comply may result in your booking being cancelled or permission to perform being withdrawn.
  • You should only perform at a volume sufficient to reach passers-by and not so loud as to cause disturbance to nearby shops, offices or other premises.

Content and Behaviour

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

Respect for Public Space and Safety

  • Buskers must keep their performance area clean and free from litter.
  • Performance equipment must not obstruct footpaths, highways or entrances to businesses.
  • Buskers should ensure that performances are suitable for a public town centre environment.
  • Performers must ensure that their equipment and performance do not create a safety hazard.
  • Where reasonably practicable, performances should be accessible to people with disabilities.

Complaints and Breaches of this Code of Conduct

  • This Code of Conduct has been introduced to reduce complaints relating to street entertainment and to help maintain an enjoyable town centre environment for everyone.
  • We believe this Code of Conduct is fair, balanced and promotes positive relationships between street entertainers, town centre visitors, local businesses, Burnley BID and Burnley Council.
  • Complaints will be investigated and, where appropriate, appropriate action will be taken.
  • Enforcement of this Code of Conduct is via the Burnley and Padiham Town Centre & Retail Area PSPO:
    • j) Busking No person shall busk within the Prohibition Area unless they comply with the Burnley Town Centre Busking Code of Conduct.
  • This Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually, or sooner if necessary. If the guidance is not being followed and complaints increase, additional controls may be introduced.

Further Information:

The Town Centres and Retail Areas Public Spaces Protection Order