I used to busk quite regularly. I live in Coventry, and although the city centre is a hole (not like York) you're still meant to get a licence. Have not done this yet. Anyway, thought your list was pretty good. I also object to being photographed, filmed, recorded etc and then them not giving me any money. This happened to me in Galway a few times - I think people thought I was an employee of the tourist board or something! I did have my case out though so...? Anyway, one time I was playing there and a man set up opposite me (solo fiddle) and started playing the Scottish bagpipes. Was not impressed.

Anyway the other hilarious thing that happened to me was when I was playing in Norwich, solo Irish/Scots fiddle tunes and someone came up to me and said 'Can you play the Bach double violin concerto?' to which I said 'well not on my own!' Not to mention that I wasn't even playing classical music!

Adding to list of guidelines - I would say passersby - don't come and peer in my case to see how much money I've got and then walk off once your curiousity has been satisfied! That really gets on my nerves, as does people staring at me. I think there's still a real 'you're begging' stigma attached to buskers - not everyone sees buskers as street entertainers as they ought to. Other buskers - amplification is one thing but blaring it out so loud that noone else can play anywhere in the vicinity is really unfair on other players, and probably causes a bit of a disturbance for shoppers as well.

Louisa

Anyway think that's it.