How to Busk in Bath, England

Guitarists are the most common buskers.

The second most popular tourist destination in England is Bath. Wherever there are tourists, there's an audience for buskers (street musicians). Musical acts from all over the world busk in Bath, especially near Bath Abbey. Depending on your talent and level of professionalism, you can make a fair amount of money during reasonably good weather.

Things You'll Need

• Coin collector (hat, open instrument case, etc.)

Instructions

1. Arrive in front of Bath Abbey by 9:50 a.m. If it's raining, go under the archway in front of the Pump Room.

2. Pick a time for your pitch in front of the Abbey, which will go for an hour. If you play bagpipes or have really loud drums, you can play for only half an hour. Available hours are usually from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but in summer they go till 10 p.m.

3. Wander around to the courtyard at the side of the Abbey and see if there is anyone playing there. If there is, move to Waterstone's or (if you can fit) opposite a pasty shop on Cheap Street to play. If there's someone there, try in front of Waitrose.

4. Lay down a hat, a rucksack or an open instrument case and play. When you are in small areas such as Cheap Street, just play and don't do any song introductions. You can do song introductions and jokes at Bath Abbey.

5. Play only your allotted hour or half-hour and then leave so another busker can have a go. You can't return for another two hours.

6. Repeat Steps 1 to 5 the next day and every day you intend to busk.

Tips & Warnings

• If the weather is lousy during your pitch time at the Abbey, too bad. Unless you can work a deal with another busker to switch times, you can't take over someone else's pitch.

• If another busker starts getting violent or threatening about a pitch, just leave. It's not worth getting into a fight about. Besides, you'll get more sympathy from the crowd that way.

• The only hours you're allowed to play are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Don't play at Bath Abbey when there is a funeral going on.

• Don't play when a comedy tour group called Bizarre Bath comes by at about 8:30 on summer nights. That's the only tour guide who usually puts a coin into your hat for your courtesy.

• No amplification is allowed around the Abbey, in front of Waitrose or on Cheap Street.

• Don't directly ask anybody for money. That would be begging, which is illegal.

Resources

• Bath Buskers
• Bath buskers code of practice
• City of Bath, England