KINGSTON BUSKING CODE OF CONDUCT

KINGSTON BUSKING CODE OF CONDUCT

In conjunction with Busk in London we welcome you to busk in Kingston Town centre.

Below are the guidelines to busk in Kingston Town Centre, there will be designated busking pitches

that will be located with floor stickers. We have consulted with the police and local Council officers

and they are fully aware of the ‘Busk in Kingston’ scheme and the voluntary code of conduct that

accompanies it.

What is Busking?

Busking is an important art form that brings spontaneity and joy in our Town. It can include music,

dance, street theatre, art and magic. When you busk you’re joining a community that includes street

traders, shops, businesses, residents and members of the public as well as the buskers.

Your Performance

Think about the amount of sound you make, the amount of space you need and the people

who live or work around you, including other buskers.

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 have played them.

Make sure you don’t block the street with either your equipment or the audience.

The biggest cause of complaints is sound levels. Some sounds carry over long distances and

all sound can be annoying after a while. Many good busking locations are surrounded by

flats, shops or offices. The people inside can’t walk away, so be mindful and keep your

volume at a reasonable level. Your sound should only be slightly louder than the

atmospheric sounds. (Please see the note under ‘specific to Kingston’ for further details

about sound levels)

Never leave your equipment unattended and keep it tidy so no-one trips over it.

If a performer is waiting for your pitch please share it after one hour.

If there isn’t a suitable space, wait for one to become free.

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

Keep it clean! Tidy-up after your act.

Protect yourself by getting public liability insurance if you busk regularly.

Collecting money

Performers can accept donations but the public must never feel obliged to pay.

Selling CD’s is NOT permitted.

Resolving problems

MOST IMPORTANTLY - Don't wait until you're irate!

Most issues can be resolved amicably without the need for a formal complaint.

It may be that unresolved issues or complaints will be forwarded to the local authority for

further action.

Specific to Kingston

All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Pitches are operational Mon-Sun 8am – 8pm

Maximum number of performers per busking group is 4.

KingstonFirst has the authority to postpone all busking pitches if a Town Centre event is

taking place.

Sound levels are closely monitored and each pitch has a specific radius that sound should

not be heard beyond. (Please see the pitch map for further details on this)

To register as a Kingston busker and be contacted in connection to other Town centre events

please take a look at the webpage www.kingstonfirst/buskinkingston