Busking is welcomed in Bexley’s town centres.

Busking is a licensable activity on public land across the London Borough of Bexley. A license is obtainable from the Council free of charge.

Any sale of merchandise requires the performer to obtain a Street Trading Licence (chargeable) in addition to a Busking License.

Special conditions apply to the pedestrianised area of the Broadway in Bexleyheath and anywhere in Sidcup Town Centre, where performances are managed by the Bexleyheath BID or Sidcup Partners BID respectively.

If you wish to busk in either of these town centres you will need to contact the relevant BID first – and they will request proof of £5m Public Liability Insurance, a risk assessment and evidence of your performance quality (for example videos, recordings). If you pass your ‘audition’ the BID will recommend you to the Council, who will then require a simple form to be completed prior to issuing you with a licence free of charge.

The Bexley Busking License can take up to seven days to process from receipt of a completed form, but once obtained is valid for up to 12 months – and is automatically renewable each year. The license is only valid when a specific date and time has been booked and confirmed in writing by the relevant BID (please allow at least 24 hours in advance of the desired busking slot).

For further information and for the application form:

In Bexleyheath contact the Bexleyheath BID by email at graham.may@bexleyheathbid.co.uk or by phone on 020 8304 0775

In Sidcup contact Sidcup Partners BID by email info@sidcuppartners.co.uk or by phone on 020 8302 4970

In other locations please apply directly to the Council for a licence. Email mark.rigby@bexley.gov.uk.