Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls

Subject: Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls
From: GUEST,Kasper
Date: 17 Apr 06 - 01:34 PM

I'm moving to the Isle of Wight in July. I fancy the idea of busking (if it's easier than working!), but I don't know waht the position is now the law has changed, and I don't know how things are for would-be street entertainers there.

So ... what do I need to know? Can anyone give me first-hand advice on good/bad places over there?

Cheers!

Subject: RE: Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls
From: vectis
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 09:17 AM

Last time I tried it I was almost nicked for not having a begging licence...
But that was 35 years ago.
It's a lovely place I hope you enjoy living there as much as I did.

Subject: RE: Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls
From: GUEST,DG
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 10:06 AM

I would say it would be a good idea to anonymously contact the council - they should be able to advise on what you can and can't do...

Subject: RE: Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls
From: GUEST,Kasper
Date: 21 Apr 06 - 03:11 PM

Refresh ...

Subject: RE: Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls
From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 22 Apr 06 - 11:31 AM

Better check first if they're using decimal currency yet.

Subject: RE: Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Apr 06 - 03:24 PM

Lol Chris.

Subject: RE: Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls
From: Eye Lander
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 05:10 AM

Decimal wassat??

Subject: RE: Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls
From: GUEST,Kasper
Date: 02 May 06 - 04:04 AM

So ... waste of time me asking, eh?

Subject: RE: Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls
From: GUEST,Starving artist.
Date: 02 May 06 - 07:28 AM

Ask the landlords/ladies of pubs/cafes/other likely businesses if they would mind you playing outside their premises. They will probably want to hear you play first though.

OR find an empty shop in a busy (narrow) street and play outside of there.

Don't play near cash machines.

BE FRIENDLY. (note the emphasis)

Don't play dirges or miserable dreary self penned, self indulgent woe is me sh*t. UPTEMPO!

The abovementioned is only really relevant if you are a competent and generally more than half reasonable musician,

If Pc Ploddoraptor moves you on - you'll know it's;- a, illegal to play or b,



you are cr@p.


And yes, I've done a lot of busking.

Subject: RE: Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls
From: nager
Date: 03 May 06 - 12:24 AM

Why not simply email the IW Council and ask them.
If it is okay - a piece of paper from them in your hand could be very useful if PC Plod or some or other fussy person wants to move you on.

http://www.iwight.com/


That should get your somewhere.

I lived at the IW for many years but that was back in the 60s and busking was okay then.. depending on the spot you chose.

Paul

Subject: RE: Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls
From: GUEST,Dazbo
Date: 03 May 06 - 05:42 AM

I have considered busking in Sheffield and the council's web site has details on how to do it, how to behave etc. So try googling on the IoW council (or town council's) to see if they have policies allowing busking.

Subject: RE: Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls
From: GUEST,Dazbo
Date: 03 May 06 - 09:24 AM

I've had a scout round their website but found nothing about busking so contact them directly and ask. Hopefully they'll be like Sheffield and be fine with it as long as you obey a few rules (like not playing the same tune all the time and move on regularly)

Subject: RE: Busking on the Isle of Wight: advice pls
From: GUEST,Kasper
Date: 06 May 06 - 03:25 PM

I contacted the IOW council and got this from their licensing department:

Busking now comes under the definition of regulated entertainment, and is therefore a licensable activity. If you intend to do this on a regular basis then you will need to apply for a premises licence. If the intention is for only for short period then you may be able to use a temporary event notice.


And when I asked for details …

Unfortunately, each location will need a separate application, and within that application you need to specify the days and times that you wish to be able to provide entertainment. Just because you are granted a licence, this will not mean that you have to provide such entertainment for the whole of the licensed times.

The cost of each licence is set by central government, and based on the non domestic rateable value, where there is no rateable value, the fee is set at band A, (the lowest) which is currently £100.00

Penalties for not having the correct licence, can be expensive, fines not exceeding £20,000 and the option of a short holiday at one of her Majesty's holiday camps.


Not what you'd call encouraging, is it? And I have to get a premises license even when there are no premises…! My birthday party's going to be a problem, then.