Views sought on guide for buskers in Reading town centre

Thousands of people flock to Broad Street each day to shop, grab food or for work.

Singers,  guitar players and beatboxers have already been seen in the town centre this summer.

Now Reading Borough Council has begun a consultation into issuing a guide for busking and street performances which performers should follow.

The guide contains suggestions for best practice for performers, noting that complaints can arise due to high noise levels, repetitive performances and the obstruction of the doorways and the street itself.

It states that amps, loudspeakers and other equipment can cause a nuisance, therefore only small portable amps should be used.

If a performer is asked to turn the noise down by an authorised officer they must do so.

Musicians are also told to avoid the use of backing tracks when they are not performing.

A busker performing for onlookers in Broad Street, Reading. (Image: James Aldridge, LDRS)

The consultation runs until mid September, with the guide being devised by Reading Business Improvement District (BID) and council officers.

Alexa Voolker, Reading BID manager said: “Buskers and street performers are capable of creating a much-valued vibrant atmosphere in Reading town centre, helping to make Reading an attractive choice for thousands of visitors each week who come for its strong retail and hospitality offer.

“However, there are occasions where busking performances, and particularly amplification levels, can have a detrimental impact on those working and living in the town centre as well as those visiting.

“Reading BID is keen to create a space where everyone feels welcome and respected and we look forward to working in partnership with the Council and other stakeholders to develop some principles for busking in Reading which makes it clearer and fairer for all.”

Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey) lead councillor for community safety, added: “We want to encourage good practice amongst our vibrant busking community, and set out reasonable advice and guidelines for sharing the limelight sensibly and respectfully.

“We are keen to ensure local buskers and street performers are at the heart of this process to shape the guidance, as well as residents, business owners, and visitors to Reading.

“Please take a few minutes to fill out the consultation and inform us how Reading can create the best positive environment so that busking can continue to be a positive part of our exciting and lively town centre.”

The guidance was discussed at a council licensing applications committee meeting in July.

During the meeting, councillors expressed concern about the conduct of some preachers and charity money collectors, known as chuggers.

The guidance will also apply to these activities, particularly in cases where preachers and campaigners use loudspeakers and amps.

You can respond to the consultation on the council's Go Vocal website.

A document on the website provides the proposed guidance in full.

The consultation closes on Sunday, September 15.