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Stratford upon Avon welcomes buskers to the town. Many entertainers who play in the town are colourful, exciting, accomplished and good fun and are enjoyed by the thousands of people who live locally or visit the town throughout the summer months.
You need to have a BuskStop badge to entertain on the streets of Stratford upon Avon. The badges are issued by the Stratforward Business Improvement District Team subject to the applicant conforming to certain conditions.
You are not able to sell anything (e.g. CDs) while you busk unless you have street trading consent or you can prove that you are are working under an umbrella Stratforward Business Improvement District town festival license. If you trade without permission you could be liable for prosecution. You need permission to busk on Council owned land such as the Bancroft Gardens.
Certain areas of the town are considered better than others for busking. Areas that are suitable include Henley Street, the Cornmarket, Waterside and the Bancroft Gardens. However these areas may also be booked or reserved for festivals & events so you are advised to check with the Stratforward Business Improvement District who can be can be reached within office hours on 01789 292718 or by email: buskstop@stratforward.co.uk.
Over the weekend Stratforward will be in the town to coordinate the entertainers so if you would like to chat to someone before you decide to join the busking database pop in to S-U-A Town Hosts office, Unit 16, Town Square, S-u-A, CV37 6JN or call 01789 292718.
Please note, busking is not allowed on the Recreation Ground unless it is a part of an organised festival or event.
The appearance and quality of an 'act' should demonstrate a positive intention to entertain passers-by, not to solicit money through sympathy.
Buskers & other entertainers work together well to entertain and enliven towns. There a few guidelines that ensure that everyone is given a fair chance and understand the Stratford on Avon District Council guidelines.
1. No sale of any merchandise is allowed
2. Contributions must not be solicited. This is begging and you could be arrested or prosecuted if you do.
3. If requested to reduce the volume of music you should try to do so as far as possible by reducing the volume of amplified music or playing quieter tunes.
4. Avoid sites near to public telephone boxes, post boxes or doorways as this will make it difficult for these to be used properly.
5. Don’t spread out your equipment so that you obstruct pedestrians
6. Music or voice must not be amplified to a level or be so loud that either can be clearly heard at a distance of 30 metres
7. Move on to another pitch which is at least 50 metres away after one hour - this will help prevent complaints from local shopkeepers
8. Do not set up your pitch within 50 metres of another busker
9. Set up your equipment at the BuskStop allocated to you on the Stratforward Business Improvement District programme
10. You must stop busking if a police officer or Stratforward Town Host asks you to. If the complaint is about excessive volume it may be possible to reach a compromise by reducing the noise level.
11. Drums should play a small part of your act
12. Entertainment should cease before 9pm
13. Buskers should not Intimidate or ill-advise other buskers or act or speak aggressively to people who ask you to stop performing
If you are being disturbed by a busker, firstly approach them and explain politely that you are being troubled by the noise or activity. Buskers are often unaware of any problems they are causing and will be glad to do what they can to help.
If the problem persists contact the streetentertainment@stratford-dc.gov.uk
A town host or council officer may then visit the busker to explain the guidelines. If the busker refuses to co-operate then formal action can be taken.
For further information please contact Community Services on 01789 260608 or by email at streetentertainment@stratford-dc.gov.uk or by fax on 01789 260607.
See also:
Business frequently asked questions
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