The capital of street performance. From Covent Garden to the Underground, London offers massive foot traffic and historic pitches.
London is arguably the historic hub for street performance in Europe, if not the world. Whether you are aiming for the prestige of the Covent Garden piazza or the sheer volume of passing commuters outside a major rail station, navigating the intricate permitting rules is key to finding the most lucrative and famous pitches.
Top Spots
- Trafalgar Square (High Traffic, Large crowds)
- Leicester Square (Evening Crowds, Entertainment district)
- Southbank (Scenic, Tourist heavy, Great acoustics)
- Camden Lock (Alternative crowd, weekend peaks)
Local Rules
- Covent Garden requires a special audition and a dedicated permit.
- Busk in the Underground (TfL) requires a specific licence, which is currently closed to new applicants.
- Camden Town is generally free but requires you to respect local businesses and noise levels.
- Street trading (selling CDs/Merchandise) often requires a separate Trading Licence.