Busking Code of Conduct

To ensure fairness, buskers are encouraged to rotate their performance locations to allow others a chance to busk in popular spots while taking into account the needs of resident and businesses. A single act should not retain the same position for more than 2 hours. 

The following locations have been designated as Busking Zones (subject to normal availability) to allow clear areas for busking to take place: 

• St Nicholas Square – suitable for 1 act
• Schoolhill, Outside St Nicholas Centre – suitable for 1 act
• Union Street outside Trinity Centre – suitable for 1 act
• George Street outside Bon Accord Centre – suitable for 1 act
• Union Terrace Gardens – suitable for 2 Acts 
• vi. Belmont Street – suitable for 2 acts 
• Guild Street – suitable for 1 act 
• Castlegate – suitable for 1 act

Buskers should leave street furniture and seating free for other city centre users. • Pedestrian access to pavements buildings, transport or emergency services should be kept clear. 

All city centre users should respect public space as one shared by people who live, work and visit – and who choose to busk there observing the code

Busking is permitted between Sunday – Thursday 10am – 8pm and Friday – Saturday 10am – 9pm.) 

Play at a considerate volume so passers-by can hear but nearby businesses and residents are not continuously disturbed. As a guide, levels should not be so loud that they can be plainly heard at a distance of 50m (164ft) – approximately the width of a football pitch. 

Acts must not include hate speech, offensive content, or any material that promotes discrimination, harassment, or violence

Performance areas should be kept clean and free from litter. 

Buskers should ensure the safety of their audience and their own safety – for example, avoiding creating trip hazards from cables or placing equipment in a precarious position.

Acts should be willing to fully cooperate with Aberdeen City Council (including City Wardens) and Police Scotland in respect of any advice, concerns or complaints regarding their act. 

You may be asked to stop performing or move to another location. 

Under section 54 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, Police Scotland can request for buskers to stop performing where their performance is disturbing others. In the event of non-compliance, the matter may be referred to the Procurator Fiscal and equipment seized.