Busking in York — Key Guidelines

See Full Guidelines on York City’s Website: – 

Be considerate with sound

  1. – Keep volume at a level that doesn’t become intrusive or disruptive to nearby residents or businesses.
  2. – Avoid repeating the same material for long periods, especially in sensitive areas.
  3. – Take regular breaks and be mindful of how sound carries in narrow streets.

Keep pathways clear

  1. – Don’t block shop entrances, doorways, or busy pedestrian routes.
  2. – Make sure your setup doesn’t cause obstruction or create safety issues.

Share the space

  1. – York’s pitches are shared — rotate spots and avoid staying in one place for too long.
  2. – If another performer is waiting, take turns and keep things friendly.

Resolve issues through conversation

– If a concern is raised by a business or resident, the council encourages calm, polite discussion first – Most issues can be resolved informally without enforcement.

Loading interactive map…