‘Performance pitches’ are set to be introduced in four places
The scheme will run three days a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (stock image)(Image: Getty)
Four new permanent spots for buskers are being set up in a bid to make Leicester city centre more vibrant.
The “performance pitches” will be in High Street, East Gates, Belgrave Gate and Gallowtree Gate, with musicians and street performers of all types able to book a slot online.
The busking and performing slots will initially be available for Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with the first available this coming Wednesday (March 4).
Leicester City Council said it had carefully chosen the four spots – which will be decorated with “Busk Leicester” slogans – to maximise exposure for musicians while minimising the obstruction they cause.
The council wants entertainers from “all performance backgrounds” and said the scheme will offer a “platform for established artists as well as providing an opportunity for newcomers to hone their skills and build their fanbase”.
As well as musicians, the scheme will be open to spoken-word artists, circus performers, puppeteers, comedians, street theatre groups, and storytellers.
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.”
The move is supported by members of the annual Leicester Music Conference, which was formed two years ago to create more opportunities for grassroots music in the city.
The organiser of the conference, Dr Yasin El Ashrafi BEM, who is also the director of Leicester-based HQ Can, 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.”
Booking is free of charge and can be done online via the “festivals” section of the Leicester City Council website.