When you need a licence
Busking is not usually considered a licensable activity under the Licensing Act 2003 but you may need a temporary event notice if you are holding an event where buskers are the main attraction.
If you want to sell any goods, such as CDs and merchandise, you will need a street trading licence.
You don't need a licence for unamplified live music between the hours of 8am and 11pm.
Getting permission from the landowner
You must get permission from the landowner to busk. This could be:
- the highways authority (to busk on public highway)
- the town council
- a private landowner
What you need to consider
Busking is not illegal but you should ensure you are:
- not making too much noise
- not blocking public highways (footpaths, pavements, open pedestrian areas)
- not displaying notices asking for payment
- not using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or written material
Children under 14 aren’t allowed to busk.