Busking locations
No busking pitches are fixed in York City Centre and there are no fixed times or durations for busking performances; buskers should consider the pitch and each other when selecting where to perform.
Aim to:
- vary material, and avoid repetition in the same pitch
- spend up to 2 hours per 1 pitch (longer would be considered unreasonable)
Find out about busking pitches in York city centre:
- Parliament Street
- Kings Square
- St Helen's Square, near the Mansion House
- Stonegate, Petergate and The Minster area, St Helen's Square
- Coppergate and Davygate Churchyard
Busking in Parliament Street (in front of Shambles Market)
The area in front of the Shambles Market entrance is a key thoroughfare and performances must be positioned to one side to allow free access across Parliament Street.
Busking in King's Square
King's Square is a popular location for street entertainers and circle shows. It is key to work in conjunction with other buskers to ensure there are regular breaks between performances to allow for access to nearby buildings and businesses.
Busking in St Helen's Square, near the Mansion House
In St Helen's Square, you may busk from the centre of the square, but not against business windows.
Please note that no busking is allowed on the steps up to the Mansion House.
Busking in Stonegate, Petergate and The Minster area, St Helen's Square
Be aware that Stonegate, Petergate and The Minster area, St Helen's Square are surrounded by businesses, residences and places of worship and therefore have greater potential for busking disturbances.
Busking in Coppergate and Davygate Churchyard
Coppergate and Davygate Churchyard are private areas; permission to busk is required from the land owner (not City of York Council).