Busking and street performance

Busking and street performance

Our Busking and Street Performance Program aims to create more vibrant and appealing public spaces. It aims to increase opportunities for informal performances and creative expression.

We define busking or street performance as the act of performing in a public place, often, but not always, in exchange for money.

The program allows you to perform at designated locations if you hold a permit from the City of Hobart. These locations include a mix of city and suburban shopping precincts, along with a selection of parks.

We encourage all members of our creative community to apply and participate in the program. Performers of all ages are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your application and seeing you out on the streets of Hobart!

Busking and Street Performance Program guidelines(PDF, 4MB)

Performance times, days and group numbers

Performances are permitted during the following hours:

  • Weekdays - 8 am to 8 pm
  • Saturdays - 10 am to 8 pm
  • Sundays - 10 am to 6 pm

There are limits on the size of groups permitted to perform together. All performers in a group need to have their own permit.

Up to four permit holders are allowed to perform together in:

  • Elizabeth Street Mall
  • Wellington Court
  • City of Hobart parks.

At all other locations the limit is two.

Please refer to the guidelines document for further details.

Busking and Street Performance Program guidelines(PDF, 4MB)

Amplification

There are five locations where electronically amplified instruments are allowed:

  • Franklin Square
  • Railway Roundabout
  • University Rose Gardens
  • Legacy Park
  • Morrison Street (between the hours of 5 pm and 8 pm, Monday to Saturday).

Amplification must be battery operated. The permit holder is not permitted to plug into any power source that may be in the vicinity.

Please refer to the guidelines document for further details.

Busking and Street Performance Program guidelines(PDF, 4MB)

How to apply

To apply for a permit, please complete the online form:

Apply now

Please allow five business days to process your application. This could be longer if we need to contact you for further details.

Permits are valid for one year from the date of issue.

Sample of work

You will be asked to provide a sample of your work as part of your application. This is so we can better understand the performers that are a part of our program. You can provide this sample through one of the following ways:

  • Link to your music or performance on your website
  • Link to your music online
  • Link to your music or performance on YouTube, Vimeo or similar platform
  • Copy of a CD or DVD of your music or performance. This can be dropped off at the Customer Service Centre.
  • Testimonial from your music or performance teacher. This does not have to be lengthy, a confirmation that you are a student is sufficient.

The City of Hobart will not store or download any of the online material you submit as part of your application. For information on how the City of Hobart manages, handles and protects personal information, please refer to the Privacy Statement and Policy.

CDs or DVDs can be left at the City of Hobart, Customer Service Centre, 16 Elizabeth Street, Hobart marked 'Attention: Activation and Events Team – Busking and Street Performance'. All CDs or DVDs will be returned after your application has been assessed.

If none of these options are possible, you can make an appointment with a member of the team to review your music or performance in person. Please indicate this on your application and they will be in touch.

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