A self-regulated area
Across our city, some buskers and street entertainers have formed groups known as Street Performers Associations (SPAs). They encourage performers to work together and respect each other and their surroundings.
The Covent Garden Street Performers Association is a long-established group of regular buskers and street entertainers managing a wide-ranging repertoire of world leading performers.
Under the proposed policy, you will need to join the association in order to perform in Covent Garden. You can find out more about auditioning to join at Covent Garden SPA - Facebook.
Three regulated pitches
Oxford Street is Europe's busiest shopping street with around half a million daily visitors. It is also a main thoroughfare for buses and taxis, and there are a number of residents in the surrounding streets.
Our proposed policy sets out specific pitches for Oxford Street and the surrounding side streets. Performances will only be allowed in the 3 designated pitches, and buskers will need to comply with the licence terms and conditions.
Five regulated pitches
Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown and Leicester Square form a popular visitor destination that is host to internationally recognised venues, cultural attractions and film premieres.
Our proposed policy sets out 5 designated busking and street entertainment pitches. Performances will only be allowed in these pitches, in accordance with the licence terms and conditions.
The Westminster Street Performers Association also operates in this area helping buskers and street entertainers understand the rules of the area. They work with businesses to reduce complaints and the need for enforcement. To become a member, visit Westminster SPA.
A self-regulated area
The Westminster Street Performers Association is a new group of regular performers aiming to improve self-regulation in both Trafalgar Square. Anyone can become a member.
Under the new proposals, we will help the association to encourage self-regulation in Trafalgar Square to see if it can improve the environment and reduce disturbances to residents and businesses.
To perform here you need to:
- join the Westminster SPA
- perform only in the marked locations and keep to the terms indicated on the map
- abide by the Westminster Code of Conduct
- pro-actively tell other performers to adjust their performance if necessary
