Brighton Busking zone could boost local businesses, says petition starter
Hundreds have backed a petition calling for a dedicated performance zone by the Upside Down House
A Brighton musician says a dedicated busking zone in the city could encourage local businesses and street performers to work for - rather than against - eachother.
Hundreds have backed a petition calling for a dedicated performance zone by the Upside Down House, which is near the i360.
It follows a history of noise complaints and performances being shut down, petition starter Joao Pagano explains.
"I think people need to understand that busking is like the first stage of a musician's journey.
"And then it's a way for the artist, like I said, to test the street performance.
"If we silence busking, we are silencing opportunity," he told Greatest Hits Radio.
He says having an approved busking zone could encourage people into the quieter areas of Brighton, boosting the businsesses there - and suggests performers could even encourage those watching to head into the shops they're playing nearby.
The petition was presented to Brighton and Hove councillors in a meeting earlier this month.
Brigit Miller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said that businesses near the Upside Down House had complained about disruption after “prolonged and loud performances” which had prompted the request for enforcement action.
She said: “Street performance enriches public spaces by fostering inclusivity, accessibility and cultural viability, offering a free and democratic platform for artists to develop their craft and audiences and engage with their art, regardless of background and ability.
“Supporting buskers in Brighton and Hove strengthens the city’s cultural brand, encourages economic activity and builds a stronger emotional connection between people.
"However, our approach needs to balance the need to monitor noise.”
She added that the council operated a voluntary code of conduct for buskers to maintain the balance between cultural and commercial activity.
The code limits performances to one hour between 10am and 10pm, with no performances outside those times and a ban on amplifiers and drums at any time.
Councillor Miller said that, in response to the petition, she had asked for a review of the situation.