A popular tradition with the crowds in Covent Garden

A CONSULTATION has been launched on the latest crackdown on busking and street performers.

The city council wants to hear from residents, businesses, and street performers over the next 10 weeks before making a decision on a new licensing regime.

Before Christmas magicians, musicians, jugglers, clowns and artists, said they feared being “swept away” by plans to “sanitise” historic Covent Garden.

The Covent Garden Street Performers Association has warned that councillors are set to vote through new restrictions on noisy shows and “dangerous” props that would ban fire and knife-throwing.

In a grim warning they say only “living statues” would remain in and around the historic square.

Westminster’s deputy leader Cllr Aicha Less said: “Street entertainers and buskers will continue to be part of our city’s brilliant culture and a popular attraction for visitors throughout the city. However it is only right we review the scheme from time to time to respond to issues where necessary.

Knife-juggler Pete Kolofsky [Stephen Beard Marketplace Covent Garden Street Performers Association]

“The proposed changes can improve our current process and look to address issues in areas such as Leicester Square.”

She added: “This does not mean we are banning busking or street entertainment and will never ban it. Instead we want to hear from everyone to strike a balance between residents, businesses and performers.”

The city council introduced a new scheme in 2021 where buskers had to pay for licences before they could perform at designated plots.

But the new regime led to hundreds more complaints than normal about street performances.

Council workers have also criticised the set-up, claiming buskers in Leicester Square have been. guilty of “riling-up” large crowds against them when they attended following noise complaints, often with them getting booed for trying to intervene.

Officials speak of a new breed of busker who use power sources more powerful than speakers in a “bar or a club”.

The council also suggests that children and vulnerable adults are being exploited by some acts.

Cllr Less, who is also the cabinet member for communities, children, said: “I’m excited to hearfrom everyone about how best to continue this wonderful tradition in the safest and fairest way possible.”