Leicester Square Protest 17.04.25 Credit: @sshanilee 

To find out more, and to support our campaign, please visit and follow KeepMusicOnTheStreets.

 

In a recent court case between Westminster City Council and Global Radio, the City of London Magistrates’ Court ruled in favour of Global Radio, enforcing a ban on busking in Leicester Square.

This outright ban signals a discouraging step backwards in preserving the rights of artists, and shows a complete disregard for the livelihoods of these musicians and the joy it brings the people visiting the square.

We are asking for a Judicial review of the court order and a resolution that is fair for all parties involved.

Leicester Square has always been known for its lively atmosphere, greatly attributed to the presence of talented buskers. Their vibrant performances create the unique charm of this area, drawing locals and tourists alike. These street performers, beyond their individual contributions to the city's culture, also play a significant role within the UK's more expansive creative economy [This is Music 2024]. By marginalizing street performers we are ultimately undermining a valuable contributor to this creative economy.

Not only will these changes affect the ability of buskers to inspire and showcase music in an inclusive way, but they will directly impact a greater number of musicians financially. 

The average London rent cost in February was £26,820 per year [Price Index of Private Rents, UK: historical series, UK Office for National Statistics], a figure that only 35-46% of UK musicians can afford (An optimistic statistic in the light of recent living cost increases) [Musicians' Financial Insight Report, September 2023]. The ban, therefore, will make it harder for musicians to promote their artistry, and ultimately hinder their ability to financially support their work.

We call for a Judicial review on grounds of irrationality/unreasonableness regarding the outcome of the case and its consequential impact on our culture and citizens. Should that fail, we call upon the intervention of Parliament to ensure a fair and reasonable outcome.

The order issued by the City of London Magistrates' Court is an over correction that can be abused by Global Radio to eliminate busking entirely, and should be revised to ensure fair treatment and protection of all parties involved.

We should nurture and improve our communities instead of breaking them down. If these bans on busking continue, we will see a long term decline of live music on the streets not only in London, but countrywide. 

This petition, therefore, is a plea to reverse the ban on buskers in Leicester Square. As ambassadors of culture and bringers of joy, street performers should be celebrated instead of silenced. Please sign this petition and join us in defending artists' freedom to perform, and the beautiful diversity of public life in Leicester Square.

 

In summary, we are demanding that the City of London Magistrates' Court:

1. Review the court order based on grounds of irrationality/unreasonableness.
2. Revoke/Amend the order to ensure fair treatment for all parties involved.

Should that fail, we call upon the intervention of Parliament to ensure a fair and reasonable outcome.

 

Please share the petition with your family, friends, and followers. Together we can bring buskers back. #keepmusiconthestreets #keepmusiclive

 

 

 

 

A beautiful moment. @Davidreimusic in Leicester square 01.10.22

 

 

Credit: The London Standard

 

 

 

Credit: Luke Silva

 

 

 

Credit: Musicians Union Photo credit: Jeff Spicer/PA Media Assignments. 

 

 

 

Credit: Musicians Union, The potential ban of busking in Leicester Square seeks to eradicate street entertainment from the heart of the West End. Photo credit: Jeff Spicer/PA Media Assignments.

 

 

 

Credit: Musicians Union, Musicians are dedicated to their craft and always strive to entertain the public; they have no desire to be considered a ‘nuisance’. Photo: Shutterstock