Use this page to find out the rules and guidelines for buskers, street performers and entertainers in Bath.
We have produced these guidelines in collaboration with the busking community, the Bath Business Improvement District (BID) and Bath Abbey.
Why we have these guidelines
We welcome buskers and street entertainers, as they create a vibrant and pleasant atmosphere in the city of Bath.
These guidelines aim to set boundaries to ensure that everyone in the city can enjoy street performances, without feeling they are intrusive or disruptive.
Read the performance guidelines
Select a topic below to view the guidelines and find out more about the street performance rules.
- You should anticipate the impact of your performance on others in the area
- Don't set up in front of shop windows, doorways and fire exits. If you are unsure, ask the business or building owner’s permission first
- If you use fire or chemicals as part of your performance, clean the area afterwards
- Be mindful of street traders and others who use public spaces as part of their job
- You can't ask people for money, but you can accept donations
- If you want to sell CDs or products relating to your performance, you need to have buskers street trading consent
- If possible, do not repeat a limited number of the same songs or performances, as this can cause complaints
- If a member of the public approaches you and complains, try and resolve the issue in a polite and professional manner
- If you are performing around Bath Abbey, please be respectful and take notice of their traffic light system
- Southgate and Milsom Place are private shopping areas. If you want to perform in these locations, you need to get permission from them
There are no specific pitches for buskers or street entertainers to perform. You should always follow the performance guidelines wherever you choose to perform.
However, popular performance areas in Bath include:
- Union Street
- Stall Street
- Bath Abbey Churchyard
- Bath Abbey Green
- Old Bond Street
- Kingsmead Square
Bath Abbey is a holy site and a place of great significance in Bath. It has always been used for prayer and quiet meditation.
Street musicians should be sensitive to the needs of people in the Abbey, who may be there due to ill-health, bereavement or anxiety as well as expressing joy and happiness. There are also daily services, choir practices and other events in the Abbey.
Traffic light system
The Abbey publishes a traffic light system which shows when buskers can perform at the Abbey. Green means perform with care, and red means please do not busk.
The traffic light notices are published on two noticeboards. One is on the board facing the Roman Baths, the other is on the railings facing Kingston Parade.
If you are approached by a member of Abbey staff, please respect their request.
You need permission from us if you want to sell CDs, and merchandise on the highway.
You can apply for buskers street trading consent online.
If you think a performer is breaking these guidelines
Most buskers and street performers in Bath are aware of these guidelines.
If you think a busker or street performer is breaking these guidelines, there are several things you can do.
You can approach them during a gap in their performance and ask if they are familiar with the guidelines. If they say no, you should direct them to our website or show them this page.
If they are aware, you should politely ask that they carry on their performance with the guidelines in mind.
If the performer continues to cause a problem, you can tell us by using our online form
One of our officers will investigate further if you are regularly impacted by a particular performer where the noise is affecting the use of your premises. You will need to provide a description of the specific performer and provide a diary of dates, times and duration of the specific performer as part of the investigation process.
Our team cannot investigate the cumulative impact of multiple performers. Each performer at a single performance location would be investigated separately.
If an officer has already given a performer a verbal warning before, an officer may give them a written warning.
A written warning will set out the terms that a performer must meet if they want to perform in future.
We may take legal action against performers who break the terms of a written warning, under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.