Busking permits

Learn about the requirements and process for obtaining a busking permit

Busking on the Central Coast

Busking is performing in public for voluntary donations, through acts such as playing music, singing, dancing or creating pavement art.

Planning to busk on the Central Coast? Make sure you have a permit and follow Council guidelines so your performance is safe, enjoyable and doesn’t block foot traffic or local businesses.

What you need to do

To apply for a busking permit, simply complete the busking application form and lodge in-person at a Council Customer Service Centre.

Download application form

To receive your busking approval card, you will need to:

Visit Council in person
Agree to comply with Council’s terms and conditions of the busking guidelines.
Provide photo ID. Scanned copies will not be accepted.

Applicants under 18 must provide proof of parental consent. The application must be completed and signed in person by a parent or guardian at the time of applying for a busking approval card.”

Cost

The application fee for a busking permit is $20.00, which grants permission to busk for a period of 12 months. Please pay the fee when submitting your application.

Busking etiquette

Buskers must display their busking approval cards in a prominent, highly visible position in the busking site at all times.

Holders of busking approval cards may busk between 9am-9pm, Monday-Sunday.

Groups are limited to a maximum of five (5) members to reduce conflict with pedestrian activity, except when the NSW Public Heath Order has restrictions in place prohibiting gatherings for performers. Each member of a busking group must hold a current busking approval card.

When performing in public places, buskers must make sure their act:

does not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic and entrances to shops or buildings
is not excessively loud
does not include animals
does not vilify or abuse any member of the community
keep the site clean while they are working, remove any rubbish at the completion of the act.

Busking approval cards will not be issued for the following activities:

Buskers must not use knives, swords (including theatrical knives and swords), or any activity involving the use of fire, saws, swords, spears, knives, bicycles and similar implements.
Balloon sculptors, tarot card/palm/fortune readers, aerosol artists, face painting artists, masseurs.
Any performance which involves an animal, reptile or bird.
Buskers must not undertake any act that could be considered a public nuisance such as the use of excessive noise, offensive language or anti-social behaviour.

Non-compliance reports

Non-compliance can be reported to the Customer Contact Centre on 02 4306 7900 or lodge your report on the Customer online portal.

Need more help?

For all enquiries regarding busking permits, call Customer Service on 02 4306 7900 or email ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.