Turn it down! Noisy buskers could face new law - The Stratford Observer

Turn it down! Noisy buskers could face new law

Stratford Editorial 22nd Jul, 2016 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

THE STREETS of Stratford could soon be much quieter if a bylaw is brought in banning buskers from using amplifiers.

The town is a magnate for street performers from far and wide owing to the large number of tourists who visit throughout the year. Buskers say they can make up to £50 a day performing on the town’s streets.

But former mayor Cyril Bennis has had an earful and has now called for a clampdown on the use of amplification being used by an increasing number of buskers.

He is urging Stratford District Council to consider introducing a bylaw to stop the practice. He also wants them to bring in a permit system for buskers.




Mr Bennis complains the noise made by the singers and musicians is ‘louder than Glastonbury’ and is demanding action is taken to quieten performers.

Stratforward Business Improvement District (BID) is currently responsible for overseeing busking.


They ask anyone planning to perform to abide by a voluntary code of conduct which includes their music not being audible more than 30 metres away.

But there is not much they can do to stop the increasing number who flout the rules.

In the busker code of conduct, it reads: “Whilst every effort is made to ensure this code is followed by every street entertainer, it is obviously not possible to monitor each and every performance. We rely on the goodwill and professionalism of all our performers, as well as that of residents.”

One amplified busker, who spoke to The Observer but would not give their name, said they could not understand the fuss.

“I really believe the buskers are an important part of Stratford’s street life, and I don’t think those who use amplifiers should be punished.

You’ve only got to see the crowds they attract on a nice sunny day such as this to see many people really enjoy them. There are always going to be a few who do not enjoy them, but I think they’re in the minority.”

Stratford District Council say they have received the request to introduced a ban on amplification in the town.

A spokeswoman told the Observer: “We are currently considering whether this is possible and if such a bylaw would be in the public interest.”

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