Birmingham has banned busking and street performing in its city centre under a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for at least three years, effective August 2025.

The ban, which includes musical instruments and amplification equipment, was enacted by Birmingham City Council to address complaints about excessive noise and impact on businesses and residents. Areas affected include Victoria Square, New Street, and Temple Street. 

Considering that the city council has already completely defunded arts and consistently shows hostility towards any form of culture in the city, this draconian measure is increasingly making the second city a cultural wasteland.

It has also been noted that it felt like the councillors had no clue about what they were actually voting for and didn't understand that they would be completely banning busking.

This petition is to raise awareness for the importance of arts in the second city and to try and make a difference in removing the busking ban.