In most places busking – that is, performing in public, hoping people will give you money – is allowed, but local rules usually also put some restrictions around this.
The rules are usually about things like how long you can busk in one place, what times of day you can busk, what parts of town you can perform in and so on. There may be extra restrictions for dangerous things like fire performances.
If you’re asking your audience for money, you should make sure you don’t pressure them or get in their way. Harassing people or causing a nuisance in a public place is usually illegal, even if there are no specific rules about busking.
In some places, you need to apply for a busking licence – this might be free, or there might be a small fee. People under 14 sometimes need their parents’ permission to get a licence.
You’ll need to check with the council for the local rules. Go to their website or visit the council office to ask what the law is.
Note: Whether you’re busking, begging or sleeping rough, the laws against blocking the footpath or other public access will apply to you, see under the previous heading “Begging: Asking people for money”.