Busking and street entertainment can make our town centres more vibrant and attractive to residents and visitors. We therefore encourage buskers and performers, particularly where there are dedicated performance spaces, and do not operate a licensing scheme. The guidance below is intended to help you, as a busker or performer, to avoid any potential problems.
- Don’t verbally ask for cash or contactless payment – that could constitute begging, which is illegal
- If you want to sell compact discs, merchandise or other items, you would need a street trading licence from the council. Apply at licensing@fylde.gov.uk
- Keep the volume of your performance at a reasonable level, to avoid people complaining about you and to make sure that you don’t cause a noise nuisance
- Don’t take up too much space in a pavement or public space. In particular, keep clear of ATM’s, doorways and street furniture and leave space for wheelchairs and pushchairs to pass. If you are on private land, make sure that you have the landowner’s permission
- Be respectful of residential premises, nearby retailers and hospitality venues: not everyone may want to listen to your act over and over again – consider moving to a new spot from time to time
- Keep the space around you clean and tidy and you remove your rubbish once you have finished
- Consider whether to get insurance to protect you from potential liabilities
- Don’t use animals as part of your act, unless the animal is registered with the local authority under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925
- Don’t use fire in your act unless you have taken all appropriate safety steps and precautions, you are a safe distance from the public and you have stored any fuel safely and out of reach of the public
- Manage any large crowd, for example by encouraging them to not obstruct pedestrian routes or not overflowing into a carriageway
- Cooperate with other performers and events to avoid performances clashing
- Remember that the street is a public space which is used by people of all ages and sensibilities – please keep material suitable for children
- If children under 14 are in your performance – you may need to apply for a Child Performance Licence from Lancashire County Council
If the busking or street performance is a nuisance, the public can contact Fylde Council on 01253 658658
If you wish to get involved in organised large-scale events, contact the events team who may be able to direct you towards event organisers events@fylde.gov.uk
