Apply for a busking permit

Description

A small footprint in public space with sound that is easily managed.

Criteria

• under 2m² performance space
• encourages an audience to gather, wait and watch
• amplified instruments that can have their volume adjusted
• non-amplified instruments that can be played at lower volume.

Examples

• solo performers or small groups of 4 or less, musicians, magicians, puppeteers.

Conditions

• max 2 hours per location per day.

Act assessment

• doesn't require assessment
• repeated issues with an act may result in an assessment to see if the act should be re-classified as high impact.

Description

A large footprint in public space and/or have sound that is harder to manage and/or use materials that pose a greater risk.

Criteria

• over 2m² performance space
• encourages an audience to gather, wait and watch
• uses higher risk equipment or materials
• incorporates instruments that are naturally loud even without amplification.

Examples

Groups of 5 or more, acrobats, circus acts.

Conditions

• max 1 hours per location per day
• fire acts aren't permitted.

Act assessment

• requires assessment*
• other acts may require an assessment based on a case-by-case basis – acts may be deemed low impact at assessment if a busker with a naturally loud instrument can demonstrate they can play at a considered volume.

Description

Minimal impact on nearby people or places but need a long period of time to be performed.

Criteria

• artwork that is made continuously over a long time
• quiet, non-musical and non-amplified.

Examples

• pavements artists, durational performance artists, human statues.

Conditions

• maximum 8 hours per location per day.

Act assessment

• doesn't require assessment.

Buskers can perform in permitted areas provided they adhere to the City of Sydney Busking and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practice policy and the Sydney busking code.

Special busking sites have additional conditions – refer to the Sydney busking code.

Hyde Park north

• Archibald Fountain
• St James station entrance, corner Elizabeth and Market streets
• intersection of Park and Elizabeth streets.

Martin Place

• intersection of Pitt Street and Martin Place, east of the Lloyd Rees Fountain
• other Martin Place busking locations are currently affected by road and building works.

Pitt Street Mall

• north (near King Street intersection)
• central (near MidCity Centre)
• south (near Market Street intersection).

QVB forecourt

• southern forecourt only.

You can read tips for good busking and learn more about what is expected of buskers in the city by downloading the Sydney busking code.

When performing in public places buskers must make sure their act:

• does not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic and entrances to shops or buildings
• is not excessively loud
• does not include animals
• does not vilify or abuse any member of the community
• complies with the conditions of special busking sites, as outlined in the Sydney busking code.

Non-compliance can be reported to us any day, anytime. Our staff will investigate each complaint received and take appropriate action.

If your act falls in the high impact category, you may need to attend a high impact assessment before you can renew or gain a busking permit (see busking permit application table above for further details).

This application process doesn’t apply to land managed by other agencies, including:

• Centennial Parklands
• Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and The Rocks (Property NSW)
• Sydney Opera House
• The Royal Botanic Garden (includes The Domain)
• UrbanGrowth NSW Development Corporation.

You’ll need to contact these agencies for details about their busking policies.

Lodge your application at one of our customer or neighbourhood service centres. Bring with you:

• your completed application form
• proof of identity
• proof of a high impact assessment (if applicable).

We’ll take a photo of you for your permit (except under special circumstances) and permits will be issued over the counter the same day you apply.

Permits will be issued over the counter on the same day you apply.