New busking guidelines – the first of their kind in Cumbria will be launched today to coincide with Street Music Month.
Cumbria Police, Carlisle City Council and representatives from ‘Keep Streets Live’ have collaborated on the new Guide to Busking.
A copy of The Guide to Busking in Carlisle can be found at www.carlisle.gov.uk and hard copies are also available from the Carlisle Tourist Information Centre and the reception of Carlisle City Council.
Inspector Di Bradbury from the Carlisle local focus team said: “This has been a great piece of collaborative work bringing improved and strengthened relationships with all those involved. The Code of Conduct will support Carlisle City Centre residents, businesses and those who come to entertain.
“The Police and the City Council want Carlisle City Centre to offer balanced, fairly located pitches and a welcoming place for street entertainers to visit and play, whilst supporting the residents and businesses to also have a fair and balanced experience.”
Director of Keep Streets Live Chester Bingley added: “It has been fantastic to work with Carlisle City Council and Cumbria Police to produce this guidance, which puts the city on the map, alongside York, Liverpool and Chester as one of the most forward-thinking and welcoming places to perform in Northern England.
“We hope this leads the way to a similar approach across the rest of the county. The official release of the document will also coincide with the beginning of Keeps Streets Live’s first Street Music Month which will celebrate and raise awareness of busking across the UK.”
A spokesperson from Carlisle City Council said: “We’d like to thank all our partners in the Police, Keep Streets Live and the busking community for their support. We welcome busking in the city centre but as some areas are more sensitive to noise, the guidelines set out some clear advice on what is and is not permitted.”
Discussions with partners started after a complaint was received regarding City and Police powers in relation to busking.
A spokesperson from The Moot, said: “The Moot is delighted that Public Space Protection Order is no longer being used against buskers in Carlisle. The city is a great place to busk. By following Home Office Guidelines and choosing not to use a PSPO against buskers & by working with Keep Streets Live, other agencies and the local community to develop a responsible busking guide, the City of Carlisle is leading by example.”
