Call for mourning period ‘busking ban’ to be reversed

The Musicians Union (MU) has penned an open letter to Transport for London (TfL) over its decision to close busking pitches in the capital during the period of public mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Under current plans, busking is not permitted at any of TFL’s 39 official busking pitches, located across 25 central London underground stations, until after the state funeral on 19 September.

Licensed buskers usually perform to audiences of up to 3.5m tube passengers every day.

TfL has cited tube stations being busier than usual as the reason for the suspension. The MU’s letter says suspension of the whole scheme includes pitches that are not at risk of overcrowding and points to busking being permitted during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend Celebrations, without incident.

The letter also says buskers could play a part in raising public mood.

“We ask that you do not prevent musicians from earning a living at this time but instead give them the opportunity to play their instruments and provide TfL commuters with music that will comfort them and lift their spirits during this period of mourning,” it reads.

“Given that music plays such a central role in national events – royal weddings and now the funeral of the Queen, it is absurd to suggest that it is a disrespectful activity,” MU London Regional Organiser Jamie Pullman added.