Busking considerations and complaints
No busking pitches are fixed in York City Centre; we expect all buskers to take care in their judgement when selecting where to perform.
Consider:
- working closely with other buskers to swap or share pitches
- there are no fixed times or durations for busking performances
- material should not be repeated in the same pitch
- more than 2 hours in 1 pitch would be considered unreasonable
Performance and busking volume
There are no fixed levels for performance volume, but no amplification is permitted between 9.00pm and 8.00am. Buskers must assess each pitch location and adjust volume accordingly to just above the level of ambient street noise.
If your volume is loud enough to be heard inside buildings in the surrounding area or from the opposite side of a street, it is likely too loud, and would be considered unreasonable.
Wind and percussion instruments will likely need dampers and brushes.
Using amplified, piercing or repetitive noise will require buskers to move pitches more regularly to prevent disturbance.
Complaints about street entertainment
Making a reasonable judgement is key to busking in York city centre. Complaint may arise if busking disturbs neighbouring residents, visitors or business.
All buskers must be:
- courteous to those around them
- prepared to make adjustments out of consideration to others when necessary
Enforcement action against busking will be taken if buskers fail to respond appropriately to a warning (for example reducing volume) or complaint.