Trouble-free busking

19 March 2011

We’ve got Lions in town this weekend and a bunch of surfers here next week. That’s 200 Lions Club members and partners from around the district, followed by 144 top international surfers, and their entourage, here for the O’Neill Cold Water Classic!

I’m wondering whether some of Gisborne’s fantastic local musicians – many of whom may also be Lions or surfers – will swoop into the city for a spot of busking. The official advice from Gisborne District Council is that busking in the city centre is generally allowed, provided no nuisance is created and no complaints are received.

Buskers are encouraged to occupy the black circles on the footpath in the central city and should ask neighbouring shop owners for permission before they start strumming or singing. Take it from me, some will welcome you with open arms while others will quite plainly wish you to cease and desist.

In past summers Heart of Gisborne organised the Pandemonium Buskers’ Festival, a six day event bringing international street performers into our town. Each year it attracted hundreds of people but raised the ire of two kinds of business owner. One group was angry if the buskers played in their section of Gladstone Rd. “No one can get into the shop,” they said. “Our customers can’t get through the door to spend money. The buskers’ festival is bad for business!”

The other group said: “Why can’t we have the buskers down our end of town? Why do the other shops get all the benefit?”

This year Heart of Gisborne made the difficult decision not to go ahead with the Festival, but to instead focus on building a community of motivated city businesses, through a programme of profile-raising and communication. We still want to see performers in the Heart of Gisborne though. And we’d love to see some local talent!

Tips for trouble-free busking (from GDC’s website):

• No amplified music.
• Keep noise to a reasonable level at all times.
• No offensive language or actions.
• Do not obstruct pedestrians.
• Avoid busking in the same place for too long, unless you have the permission of the neighbouring shop owners.
• Do not solicit for donations.