Rochdale Borough Council

Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest information about licences and registration.

Everyone is welcome to busk on public land in Rochdale borough.

Report a busker or street performer causing a nuisance

If a busker or street performer is causing a nuisance:

1. If you're happy to do so, please approach the busker and politely explain they're causing a disturbance. Buskers are usually unaware they're causing a problem. Most buskers will be glad to do what they can to reduce the noise or move if they're blocking a path.
   
   
2. If the street performer or busker is still causing an issue, you can:
   • Report problems in Rochdale Town Centre to Rochdale Town Centre Management. View contact details for Rochdale Town Centre Management
   • Report all other blocked footpaths, pavements or access to the police by calling 101
   • Report all other noise problems to us

Do I need a busking or street performance licence?

You don't need a licence for busking and street performing in Rochdale borough. 

However:

• If you're busking to collect money for charity, you'll need to apply for a street collections licence
• If you want to sell something while busking, such as CDs, you'll need to apply for street trading consent

Guidance for busking and street performing

When busking in Rochdale borough, you must keep to the following guidance. You should:

• Play at a reasonable volume so you can't be heard over 50 metres away.
• Not obstruct roads, paths or access to shops and cash machines.
• Only perform between 10am-10pm. Even during these hours you should stop playing if you're asked to do so by local residents or businesses.
• Move to a new location, at least 50 metres away, every 60 minutes and not return to the same location within the same 24 hours.
• Not use amplification or drums when performing as they create lots of noise and complaints.
• Actively collect money or ask for money by using a sign or any other means. You're allowed to have a receptacle, such as a hat, music case or box for the acceptance of donations from the public.
• Perform in a way which could be considered dangerous or inappropriate or in a way likely to cause alarm, distress or offence.
• Not make use of street furniture. This includes not putting up posters or adverts on street furniture.