Busking and Street Entertainment in Oxford City Centre

Overview

Oxford City Council supports busking and street entertainment as a way of adding life, creativity and vibrancy to the city centre. Street performers play an important role in Oxford’s cultural scene, enhancing the experience for residents, businesses and visitors alike. We want to ensure that this activity continues in a way that is positive and enjoyable for everyone. 

What is busking?
Busking, or street entertainment, is the performance of music, dance or street theatre in a public space, carried out primarily for the purpose of receiving voluntary donations from members of the public. Buskers or street entertainers are not paid or hired directly for their performance.                   

As part of the Oxford City Centre Action Plan, we are reviewing the Buskers Code of Practice. The aim of this review is to strike the right balance between supporting street entertainment and addressing the needs of local businesses, residents and public safety. The updated guidance will help set clear expectations, maintain high standards and create a welcoming and well-managed city centre.

We are inviting your views on busking and street entertainment in Oxford City Centre. Your feedback will help shape the revised Buskers Code of Practice and guide how street performance is managed in the future.

You can view the current Buskers Code of Practice here: Busking in Oxford | Oxford City Council