The council welcomes street entertainers (buskers) as they provide interest for both locals and visitors.

Guidelines for buskers

You need to have a 'Yellow badge' to busk on the streets of York. The badges are issued by us subject to the applicant conformng to certain conditions.

You are not able to sell anything (eg CDs) while you busk unless you have street trading consent.

Where to busk

Certain areas of the city are considered better than others for busking. Areas that are suitable include Parliament Street, St Sampson's Square, Exhibition Square and King's Square. However these areas may also be booked or reserved for council arranged activities, so you are advised to check at the City Centre office first.

Please note, busking is not allowed on Stonegate.

Please do not

• Set up your pitch within 50 metres of another busker.
• Spread out your equipment so that you obstruct pedestrians.
• Actively seek contributions; this is begging and you could be arrested for it. You are allowed to have a hat or case nearby, that people may put money in if they wish.
• Busk near to phone boxes, post boxes, doorways or cash machines.
• Act or speak aggressively to people who ask you to stop performing.
• Behave in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace.

Please do

• Display or wear your council issued 'Yellow badge'.
• Use the suggested areas.
• Stop busking if someone asks you to. If the complaint is about excessive volume it may be possible to reach a compromise by reducing the noise level.

Guidelines for the public and businesses

If you are being disturbed by a busker, firstly approach them and explain politely that you are being troubled by the noise or activity. Buskers are often unaware of any problems they are causing and will be glad to do what they can to help.

If the problem persists contact the city centre office. A council officer may then visit the busker to explain the guidelines. If the busker refuses to co-operate then formal action can be taken.