Street performance principles
The Council encourages street performance in public places where the performance contributes to the city’s vibrancy, can be done safely, and doesn’t interfere with pedestrian or traffic flow, business activity, or residential living.
To give residents, retailers and workers a variety of performances, we expect street performers to fairly share the best performance spots (pitches).
Anyone who understands and can comply with licence conditions can obtain a street performance (busking) licence. We can cancel or refuse to issue a performer’s licence if we believe they are acting irresponsibly or unsafely, or not complying with the licence conditions.
Street performance is a valid way to make money, but people should not feel pressured to give money.
If performing with fire, sound greater than 4 amps or other potentially dangerous materials or objects, you will need a special street performance licence as well as the standard licence.
Your rights
Street performers
- Can perform on one site for up to 90 minutes a day, with an extra hour to set up and take down equipment.
- May politely ask the audience for money.
Members of the public
- Have the right not give money to a street performer.
- Can make a complaint if they believe the performance doesn’t comply with the Council’s licence conditions.
Business owners
- Have the right to complain if they believe a performer is not complying with the Council’s licence conditions.
- Can ask the street performer to move, if the performance blocks access to the premises or is too loud to carry out normal business activities.