Buskers on Notting Hill’s Portobello Road may have to apply for a licence to perform for the first time in the historic markets’ 149-year history after hordes of complaints over noisy and repetitive music and aggressive behaviour.
Authorities at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea have this week begun a consultation over proposals to demand street performers in the area – famed worldwide for live, on street music at the Notting Hill Carnival – to apply to play.
The move comes after a raft of conflicts between rival buskers, shop owners, residents and market traders has created tension as performers attempt to entertain the hordes of tourists who flock to the market each weekend.
Buskers could have to move on after short stints and play in specified areas, it has been proposed. A timeline for the legislation’s introduction has not been set out but new rules could come in next year, on the markets’ 150 anniversary.
Mark Barr, chair of the Portobello Road and Golborne Management Committee which represents shops, stallholders and residents, told the Standard: “We have problems all the time. One busker threatened to stab me when I asked them to turn the volume down.
“We do not want to get rid of buskers as they make Portobello the attraction it is. But, when they’re playing ‘She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain’ over and over, it’s too repetitive. The traders need to hear their customers and visitors walk freely through the crowds.”
A consultation with residents, traders and buskers revealed most welcomed musicians and painters on the market while standing statues, mime artists and jugglers were less popular.
Stac Dowdeswell, of busking swing trio The Sugar Sisters who were spotted performing at the market and played on BBC Radio 2, said: "It's a great, fun atmosphere and allows us to try out new songs.
“I understand the residents’ concerns – we moved when a man with a newborn baby asked and broadened our repertoire to try not to annoy anyone – but applying for a licence feels too clinical."
She added: “If people ask politely for you to move that’s fine, I don’t think you need to bring licences into it.”
A spokesman for RBKC said: “Portobello and Golborne markets have a rich cultural history which attracts buskers and their audiences. However, the council has received a number of complaints from traders and residents related to busking.
“We are looking to achieve a balance which will respect the needs of the community while allowing busking in some areas. We are not opting to ban busking.”
Portobello Road, named after Gulf of Mexico port Puerto Bello where treasure was sent to Spain from to supply Europe in the 1700s, remains one of London’s largest tourist attractions.
