I'm afraid Shambles that you are very wrong about the UK being worse than other places for busking , in many places you would not have that'freedom'.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy all the different sights & sounds, & have no problem with anyone just doing their own thing if that's what they want. I've been dancing & playing with a Morris team for the past 20 odd years, so love to just be able to turn up & perform wherever. My point is that if there was a problem with all the street traders, then it has to be left up to the police to decide what to do about it. I'm sure that if people are low-key & having fun then everything will carry on fine, but I still think that some of their collections should go back to the festival proper. As Steve says, the hair braiders don't set up the other 51 weeks a year.

I'm just looking forward to a whole week of singing, dancing & having a lot of fun.