Hundreds of people have supported buskers who want a performance zone on Brighton seafront by the Upside Down House.
Musician Joao Pagano, who runs the Brighton Beach Busking social media channels, presented the petition, with 592 signatures, to Brighton and Hove City Council last night (Monday 13 October).
Mr Pagano said that musicians and performers were shocked when a sign appeared by the Upside Down House prohibiting the use of amplifiers and drums in the area.
He told a meeting of the full council at Hove Town Hall: “I stand here on behalf of many Brighton buskers, residents and visitors who believe that music belongs on our streets and seafront.
“Busking is not just an entertainment. It’s part of the spirit, culture and identity of Brighton.
“We ask the council to make the Upside Down House an official busking zone and ensure the nearby shops are busker-friendly.
“Allow amplifiers and percussion, because playing facing the sea is like singing into the wind.”
The reply came from Labour councillor Birgit Miller, the council’s cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism. She is a professional musician herself.
Councillor Miller 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.
That house would be vastly improved by an upside-down Banksy.
I’ve heard some amazing busking in that area and it really adds to the mood of the zone. Some of those same buskers have been playing for 15 years or more and it’s great. Just keep the rules enforced to whatever minimal level they’ve been for years.
This story kind of reminds me of the countless ones you hear about new build flats being put up next to pubs and then the new residents complain and the pub gets shut down. If you’re a business owner that’s moved to an area known for its buskers dont get too upset if there are people, well.. busking..
Yes! I agree. The talent of those buskers never fails to amaze me. But then if you’ve been doing it for 15 yrs or so then you really MUST’VE honed your craft to perfection!