Busking on Southbank

Subject: Busking on the Southbank
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 08:52 AM

I've been contemplating trying my hand at busking. Thought perhaps to try the southbank in london. does anyone know if there are any rules or licenses for busking there?
Has any of you busked there before? Any advice?

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: breezy
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 09:33 AM

Good luck,

Its easy, you'll make a mint and become famous

When u doing it ?

What gear u using ?

Where abouts u pitching ?

keep us informed.

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 09:51 AM

I'd be happy for enough money to pay for the petrol to go to shrewsbury folk festival. ;)

Was thinking March or April. Playing melodeon, friend say's she'll come play as well.

Will let you know if it all comes to anything.

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: ollaimh
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 02:58 PM

yeah let us know.

the last time i was in london the walkway near the globe theathre where they sell books on sunday did look like a good area. however i didn't see any buskers so i wonder if its illegal.

i would think something rennaisance wuld do really well there. a bit of costume and a harp and cittern(which i play)

as a retired decades long busker i am always interested in good spots.

i saw a few guys in the market approaches on or near portobello road and one doing the queensway--where our hotel was. however none looked like they had a great act worked up and none seemed to be making much, but perhaps i was seeing them on off hours

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 03:28 PM

Sound fab LDT, do take a wee camcorder hey?
Christmas busking should be good for traditional music, especially if you're willing to camp it up with some "ye-olde" ren-fayre accessories. Wear vintage frilly olden days stuff and don a sprig of mistletoe..

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: GUEST,cs
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 03:30 PM

Doh, olly above ('something rennaisance wuld do really well there. a bit of costume') beat me too it.

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 04:03 AM

Depends whether my friend agrees to the 'dressing up' was thinking more Victorian/Edwardian. A 'Mary Poppins' kinda look.

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: GUEST,s-j
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 05:55 AM

I have been busking at the southbank when funds have gotten low since moving to London a couple of times this year..it's varied in success...and go early, there's a few regulars down there who get some good spots and if you leave it til the afternoon you could miss out and makes all the difference as to sound and people traffic to listen..
Dont expect money, you cant predict it, but have fun! I do and go every now and again when I'm broke or the weather is ok!
I dont know if you need a license or not...but nonone said anything to me so I will be back!#
Good luck

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 06:00 AM

How early is early? Would 10am be too late?

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: breezy
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 05:31 PM

March April is late

its was cold but playable today

Go solo, then you will learn more about how to do it.

be aware of not upsetting the 'long established'

sometimes it can be over kill if too many are doing it.

A melodeon would be good as long as its well played, as I'm sure it will be.

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 08:24 AM

I don't have enough tunes memorised at the moment.....plus my fingers get stiff, clicky and painfull in the cold.

As to my abilities I've been 'playing' for nearly 3 years. This is my
youtube channel .

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 08:28 AM

Okay...2 and a bit years. ;)

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: GUEST,Keltikween
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 07:53 PM

Does anyone know if you need a permit for the south bank and if so where you get it from?

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: reggie miles
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 10:31 PM

Here's a link that I stumbled across the other day about busing. It seems to have some helpful advice and seems to be written by an active street performer. There are several posts by him on this subject, as well as a variety of others. All the best in your adventures.

http://www.streetmusician.co.uk/category/busking/

Subject: RE: Busking on Southbank
From: reggie miles
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 10:33 PM

Oops! I copied and pasted the wrong line. Here's that link.

http://www.streetmusician.co.uk/category/busking/