Source link : https://london-news.net/busking-on-the-brink-londons-street-performers-face-cultural-erosion-amid-venue-closures/
A musician has expressed concern that busking in central London is “gradually fading away,” highlighting that the reduction of traditional performance spaces is compelling many artists to abandon their careers and is detrimental to the cultural vibrancy of the city.
Currently, the sole designated busking site in Trafalgar Square is unavailable due to the Christmas market.
The Musicians’ Union has been advocating for performers to be allowed to share space with the holiday stalls.
Westminster Council acknowledged the importance of street performances but mentioned the need to balance various interests.
Serena Kaos, a musician, stated that she had ceased being a full-time performer after losing access to her usual busking spots.
“This represents a significant cultural loss, not just for today’s artists but for future musicians as well, particularly those from working-class backgrounds who relied on this as one of the few avenues to enter the field,” she remarked.
Simeon Scheuber-Rush, the union’s regional officer for London, noted that the closure has left musicians using amplifiers without an appropriate venue.
“We have the delightful Christmas market, but regrettably, it hasn’t accommodated the busking pitch,” he explained. “It has effectively shut it down. As a result, we find ourselves with no viable locations for amplified busking.”
Ms. Kaos emphasized that busking is “a vital aspect” of London’s cultural identity, but it is “gradually…
—-
Author : rimmaruslan98@gmail.com
Publish date : 2025-12-24 17:42:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
—-
1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8