Union criticises blanket court ruling to halt ‘torturous’ busking in Leicester Square

Performers’ union Equity has called a court ruling ordering Westminster Council to stop noisy buskers in and around London’s Leicester Square “not proportionate or necessary” as it applies to all types of performance, regardless of volume.

In a court case lodged by Global Radio and heard in City of London magistrates’ court last month, the district judge ordered the local authority to stop the nuisance of “noise from the playing of music by buskers” in the square.

According to reports from the BBC, the judge likened buskers playing loud songs over and over to “psychological torture”, observing that the use of repetitive sounds is “a well-publicised feature of unlawful but effective psychological torture techniques”.

The judge added locals were being subjected to “industrially-amplified daily concerts”, with the nuisance “exacerbated by the repetition and poor quality of some of the performances”.

However, Equity’s variety official Michael Day has called the ruling “not proportionate or necessary”, noting that it applies to amplified and non-amplified street performances.

He said the union had been contacted by concerned silent performers who he says are now banned from working in Leicester Square.

“We call on Westminster Council to engage with street performers to work towards reinstating the pitches for acoustic or ambient acts or those with lower levels of amplification,” said Day.

“Busking is an important part of the life of central London, as it is in other towns and cities, and offers a space where performers can hone their craft and earn a living while contributing to the vibrancy and life of local communities.”

‘An impossible position’

A statement available on Westminster Council’s website says it has been put “in an impossible position” as the council has “always tried to make sure the right balance is struck between everyone involved”.

The statement adds that anyone who performs in the affected area from April 17 may face a fine, have their equipment seized, or have their busking licence taken away.

“Street performers are a much-loved part of our city’s identity, but we also have to balance this with a duty to protect residents and businesses. The court ruling gives us no choice – we now have a legal obligation to act,” said councillor Matt Noble.

Noble did add that the ruling is “categorically not a ban on street performers in Westminster”, with the council set to review the court’s judgment in detail.

“Our next step is to comply with the ruling by suspending street performance pitches in Leicester Square, consider the court ruling and find a fair solution,” Noble added.