Busking and Negotiations of Urban Acoustic Space in South Bank, London

Abstract

This chapter looks at the phenomenon called street music, or busking, which takes place along the banks of the Thames in London, and by making some individual observations in other parts of London. It also looks at how these parties are creating hierarchies between the buskers, which can be seen for example in the ways that begging is being defined and in what places busking is allowed. Making definitions about street music in contemporary London are still difficult as comparisons between begging and busking are still challenging. One of the most organized ways of regulating busking is the Transport for London busking scheme that began in 2003. Freedom is still maintained in other places, such as South Bank, while for example in Westmister busking is viewed very negatively if the musicians' stories are to be believed.

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