Busking Guide consultation
Reading Borough Council is proposing to introduce a “Guide for Busking and Street Performing in Reading”.
Busking is a positive and integral part of the fabric of vibrant British High Streets across the country and Reading is no different. Whilst many people enjoy busking and other forms of street entertainment, we also know that on occasion residents and local businesses object to some loudly amplified performances in busy shopping areas.
The Council and Reading Business Improvement District (BID) are now proposing to join the growing number of towns and cities who have adopted a localised advice guide for busking and street performance. This intends to strike a balance between continuing to encourage and provide opportunities for performers, many of whom rely on busking for their livelihoods, and minimising some of the issues that can cause others to feel uncomfortable,
The guidance seeks to balance the interests of buskers and street entertainers with those who live, work and visit our streets and shared public spaces, by promoting the best of busking and street entertainment and supporting those performers to integrate into our communities.
The guide would encourage good practice amongst our vibrant busking community, setting out reasonable advice and guidelines for performing sensibly and respectfully. This aims to maximise the enjoyment of our buskers, reduce complaints and resolve others amicably. The principles of the guide would also apply to other activities including street preaching and campaigning especially with regards to noise levels and amplification.
The council has enforcement powers to tackle busking and street entertainment where there is a persistent adverse impact, but in practice, only serious incidences would warrant these powers being used. It is intended that the guide will be a tool for local businesses to use so they can engage with performers near their premises and for BID wardens, police and council officers to promote within a positive and respectful busking climate.
We would like: buskers, street performers, residents, businesses and visitors to the town to contribute to the consultation, to help understand the impact of the proposal and to shape the final guide.
