Busking

Where to Busk

We allow busking in the pedestrianised areas in the borough. There are a number of pitches across the borough where we encourage buskers to set up.

If a Croydon Council officer or representatives asks you to cease playing, reduce the volume, or move to a new location, please comply.

Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to busk. 

Often introducing yourself to nearby businesses or traders and letting them know about your performance can make complaints much less likely. Ensure you are not blocking any entrances, market stalls, cash points, or throughways.

There should be enough space for wheelchairs or prams to get around you and your audience even at the busiest times.

Remember some shops may not appreciate you blocking their window displays so please be mindful when setting up.

Remember some sounds clash, please show respect for other performers and their acts by not setting up too close or where sounds will clash.

If there isn’t a suitable busking space, please wait for one to become free. If another performer is waiting for your pitch, please share it after 30 minutes of their arrival.

Approved Locations

The Coulsdon Community Partnership has approved two locations where you can just turn up and start to entertain:

• Outside Aldi
• Coulsdon Library

Just Turn Up & Entertain!

Your Performance

Any equipment should be able to be packed up and moved easily and quickly; we do not allow percussion sets or the use of more than one amplifier.

Performers with a varied repertoire are more popular and attract fewer complaints. If you only know a few songs, move to a new location when you’ve played them. The biggest cause of complaints is sound.

Please think about the amount of sound you make and remember that there may be many flats, shops, and offices nearby. The people inside cannot walk away so be mindful and keep your volume at a very reasonable level.

Some sounds carry over long distances and all sounds can become annoying after a while. Never leave your equipment unattended or in a manner which poses an obstruction or trip hazard.

Keep backing tracks unobtrusive and turn them off when you’re not performing.

Collecting Money

Performers can accept donations but the public must never feel obliged to pay. If you want to formally sell items such as CDs you will need a street trading licence.

Resolving Problems

Most issues can be resolved amicably. Always be respectful and considerate and try and understand another’s point of view. Where issues cannot be resolved, Croydon Council may intervene and as a last resort may have to take enforcement action.

For reference, you can visit: Busk in London

Download the Busking Code of Conduct PDF here.