The City of Edinburgh Council is seeking views on the impacts of busking in the city to determine if Council needs additional powers to manage amplification of noise in public places.
Currently, the Council welcomes responsible buskers who brighten our city and adhere to existing guidelines.
In December 2022, the Culture and Communities Committee considered a report on the legislative framework which governs the control of amplification of sound and the circumstances in which a byelaw may be considered. It was agreed that a survey with residents and businesses would be carried out to get the views of citizens.
Participants are being asked for their experience with busking over the last year operating within the current guidelines.
Areas for comment include:
- Existing busking hours (currently busking is permitted 9am – 9pm)
- Volume (considerate volume is at a level so passers-by can hear, but nearby businesses and residents are not disturbed)
- Time on pitch (buskers should move on to another pitch at least 50 metres away after one hour)
Evidence gathered by the survey will inform Committee on the issues associated with the amplification of sound in public spaces, and if it’s appropriate to promote a byelaw to enable the Council to manage the amplification of sound and nuisance busking.
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said:
Edinburgh has always been a vibrant and colourful city and entertainers add great character to our streets, particularly during the August festivals. The capital welcomes buskers and street entertainers who liven up the city and who follow the Council’s advice to do so, to be good neighbours and keep noise levels to a reasonable level.
However, we also recognise that there is negative noise impact by the overamplification of sound by some buskers and street entertainers in public spaces, particular in the city centre. We want to make sure we’ve got the most up-to-date feedback from citizens and are doing all we can to allow both the performers and those nearby who may be impacted to coexist.
We want to hear as wide a range of views as possible as we consider whether to take the next step and enact a byelaw. I would encourage everyone to take a look at our survey and share your feedback.
It is expected that the results will be reported back to Committee on 5 October 2023.
Find out more about amplification of sound in public spaces and take part in the survey.