Busking
The City of Sydney welcomes buskers and has identified key areas where buskers can perform.
What is a Busker?
A busker is a person who plays an instrument, sings, dances, juggles, mimes, performs an act or entertains the public. A busker may accept but cannot solicit donations in appreciation of their performance.
Where Can Buskers Perform?
Buskers can perform anywhere in the City, with the exception of identified restricted sites, for up to two hours at any one time.
There are 10 sites in the City that are restricted as they are busy areas and the City limits the number of buskers performing at any one time for safety reasons. Buskers can only occupy a restricted site for up to 1 hour at a time.
Areas Not Covered by the City of Sydney Busking Policy
The following areas are not under the management of the City of Sydney. The respective authorities and trusts have their own policies for busking and should be contacted directly to seek approval to busk in these areas.
Circular Quay, First Fleet Park, Museum of Contemporary Art forecourt, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Tumbalong Park and Darling Walk are the responsibility of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.
The Domain and the Royal Botanic Gardens are the responsibility of Royal Botanic Gardens Trust.
The Sydney Opera House steps, concourse and forecourts are guided by the Sydney Opera House Trust.
Do I Need Approval?
Yes. All buskers need a City of Sydney Busking Permit to perform on City of Sydney owned land. The Permit must be displayed at all times while performing. Permits are available for up to one year for a small fee.
If you want to busk as a group each group member will need to apply for an individual busking license. Groups of up to 5 licensed buskers can perform at any one time providing all members have their license on display.
What isn't Permitted?
- Causing a nuisance or obstructing pedestrian or vehicle traffic and entrances to shops or buildings
- Excessively loud performances
- Selling or offering for sale any articles, commodity or services with the exception of the busker’s own original CDs
- Using dangerous implements or materials as part of the performance without a Special Busking Permit (See information below)
- Vilification of any community members, including, but not limited to, racial, sexual, gender or disability discrimination.
You can download a Special Busking Permit Application Form and the Busking Policy December 2007 as PDF documents.
Do I Need to Audition?
Yes. If you use dangerous materials or implements in your act you must pass a safety review before being issued with a Busking Permit. You can download the Busking Policy December 2007 for details, visit the your nearest Council Location.
No. If you do not use dangerous materials or implements in your act your permit will not be subject to a safety review.
When Are Safety Reviews Held?
Safety Reviews are held monthly, and an appointment to attend must be made by the close of business of the Friday before each review. You can book your appointment for review, by contacting 02 9265 9333.
The schedule is usually from 10 am on the third Tuesday of every month of 2010 as follows:
2010
- 19 January
- 16 February
- 16 March
- 20 April
- 18 May
- 15 June
- 20 July
- 17 August
- 21 September
- 19 October
- 16 November
- 14 December.
How Can I Apply?
Buskers must meet certain criteria and agree to abide by the
conditions set out in the Busking Policy December 2007. This policy and busking application
forms are available to download or visit one of the following Counil locations:
CBD
Tel: 02 9265 9333
Email: council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Level 2, Town Hall House
456 Kent Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
More Info >>
Kings Cross
Email: council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
50 - 52 Darlinghurst Rd
Kings Cross NSW 2011
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 12 noon
More Info >>
Glebe
Email: council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Glebe Town Hall
160 St Johns Road
Glebe NSW 2037
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
More Info>>
Redfern
Email: council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
158 Redfern Street
Redfern NSW 2016
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 12 noon
More Info >>
When applying for approval you will need to provide proof of identity and have a photo taken which will be printed on your Busking permit. Telephone inquiries can be made by calling 02 9265 9333.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approval?
Except for Special Busking Permits, Busking Permits will be issued over the counter the same day you apply. Telephone inquiries can be made by calling 02 9265 9333 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
What is the Cost for a Busking Permit?
Busking Permits are available for 3 months (quarterly) or for 12 months (annually).
The 3 month permit is $10. The 12 month permit is $40.
A Special Event Permit is available to event producers on application. This will allow Buskers to perform at a City approved event in a City of Sydney park. Applications in writing should be sent to Cultural Development at the City of Sydney GPO Box 1591 Sydney 2001 at least one month before the event.
The City of Sydney does not issue one-day Busking Permits. If you require a Permit for one day only you must still purchase a quarterly Busking Permit.
What is the Cost for a Replacement Busking Permit?
A replacement fee applies to any stolen or lost Busking Permits.
- First Replacement is FREE
- Subsequent replacement for a 3 month permit is $5
- Subsequent replacement for a 12 month permit is $10.
Downloads
You can download the following forms as pdf files, to download the files you must have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer.
- Busking Policy December 2007 | PDF 159Kb
- Busking Site Maps | PDF 995Kb
- Busking Permit Application | PDF 276Kb
To view PDF files you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. Get Acrobat Reader Now. PDF Accessibility.
Last Updated: Tuesday 22 December, 2009
