STREET entertainers are being invited to showcase their talents at four outdoor performance spots in the city centre as part of a new pilot scheme to help boost busking.
Busk Leicester is being launched by the city council to provide a simple online process for street entertainers to book performance pitches at key locations in the city centre.
There will be four sites available for booking. Each pitch will be open to entertainers from all performance backgrounds and has been selected to offer prime exposure to the public.
It’s hoped the new scheme will offer a platform for established artists as well as providing an opportunity for newcomers to hone their skills and build their fanbase.
The four performance pitches will be located at High Street, East Gates, Belgrave Gate and Gallowtree Gate.
The sites have been chosen because they all attract high levels of footfall and can accommodate live performance with minimal obstruction or nuisance.
Initially, the performance pitches will be available for booking on Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays, with sites going live from 4 March.
Each of the sites will feature Busk Leicester graphics to make them easily identifiable and provide quick links to online booking and performance information.
Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for culture, said: “Buskers and street performers play a valuable role in Leicester’s cultural scene and can help make busy city centres vibrant and attractive places to visit and spend time in.
“We want to ensure that live street performance continues to be a feature in the city centre, and we want to do this in a way that helps make it a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.”
Dr Yasin El Ashrafi BEM is the founder and director of Leicester-based HQ Can (Creative Arts Network), a member of the Leicester Music Board and organiser of the Leicester Music Conference.
He said: “Music belongs in public spaces. Reintroducing busking to Leicester in a structured, bookable way is a really positive move for the city centre. It brings creativity and energy back to our streets while giving emerging artists a legitimate platform to build confidence and connect directly with audiences.
“I see this as part of the bigger picture. Busking has always been a vital entry point into the industry. I’m proud that Leicester Music Conference can support Busk Leicester and help embed it within a stronger music ecosystem for the city and wider region."
Busk Leicester will officially launch with a range of performances, supported by local music organisations including HQ Can, 2 Funky Arts and Studio79.
Booking is free of charge and can be done online at www.leicester.gov.uk/festivals