Billy Bragg in full flow in Camden Town yesterday.

Published: 25 October 2013
By RAHUL ROSE

BILLY Bragg, Bill Bailey and Mark Thomas were among protesters who gathered in Camden High Street to demonstrate against the council's plans for stricter busking rules yesterday (Thursday) lunchtime.

Under new plans, street performers will need a licence to busk and will also be banned from using amplifiers and percussion and wind instruments.

Mr Thomas, who is best known for Channel 4's Mark Thomas Comedy Project, called the proposed regulations "stupid" and "draconian".

He said: “It smacks of making laws rather than trying to find practical and fair ways of dealing with potential problems. Busking is wonderfully democratic. As a rule the good and the nice earn money and eat, and the rude don't, and it is a vibrant part of our city culture."

Mr Bragg, the famous activist and protest singer, gave a rendition of Jerusalem to the tune of about 40 kazoos. Mr. Bragg told the New Journal: “If buskers are removed from the streets of Camden due to complaints about noise, their place in the food-chain will be taken by an army of living statues – silver painted gargoyles on every corner. Such artists have their place, but I'd rather hear a living musician playing a tune on the streets of what must be the most musical borough in London.”

The event was organised by Jonny Walker, a local Camden Town busker. In an impassioned speech he said Camden's "world famous culture" would be badly affected by the proposed restrictions on busking. Mr. Walker said buskers were "lighthouses" for the homeless and destitute.

Bill Bailey, meanwhile, proved particularly popular with the assembled group of protestors, passersby and journalists. He sang Unisex Chip Shop, a Billy Bragg tribute song, before leading a singalong of California Dreaming

The self-proclaimed Citizens' Kazoo Orchestra played a number of popular tunes, including She'll be Coming Round the Mountain and the Beatles' All You Need is Love.

Camden Council Cabinet member for Community Safety, Councillor Abdul Hai, said: "Camden Council has no plans to ban busking. We have recently carried out a consultation on plans to license busking across the borough.   We sought the views of residents and businesses on the introduction of licences for street performers, to limit the use of amplification equipment and drum kits and to ensure that locations are suitable for the performances."

“We believe that all forms of street entertainment are an important part of the musical and cultural heritage of the borough. However, in recent months we have received an escalating number of complaints from local residents regarding disruptive busking activity, particularly where amplification is used in residential areas.

“We cannot allow the lives of people who live and work in Camden to be disrupted by noise nuisance however we are not trying to drive away street entertainers we are instead looking to attract them and add value to the performances that they give.”

SEE ALSO:

WATCH: Councillor is ambushed by busking protesters as he tries to film interview

WATCH: Bill Bailey sings California Dreaming at breakneck speed during demonstration.