Busking

Step 1.Understand the terms and conditions

Buskers can book a site for a maximum of 3 hours, with a maximum of 3 bookings per week in one site.

Buskers must follow these rules:

• no amplification of any form such as loudspeakers or microphones
• no more than 2 performers together at the same time
• don't place the public in danger or create a public nuisance

Buskers must not carry out non-busking activities such as begging, advertising, promotion of or sale of goods, political rallying, religious spruiking, artists displays and face or body painting.

There are no auditions but City of Coffs Harbour reserves the right to withdraw or refuse a booking at any time if the terms and conditions are not met.

Busking without permission or breaching the conditions can incur a fine of $220.

Read the full terms and conditions(PDF, 169KB)

Step 2.Obtain public liability insurance 

Buskers must obtain their own Public Liability Insurance (for a minimum amount of $5 million) before booking a site. The insurance must cover the booking use, legal liability to the public in respect of personal injury, and include City of Coffs Harbour as an interested party on the policy. You must have a copy of the required insurance available when busking so you can present it to any officer of the City who requests it. 

Step 3.Select your busking area

You can book one of these designated areas using our online form. 

To book outside a designated area, please send us an email detailing exactly where you would like to busk.

Woolgoolga

Footpath - Beach Street, Woolgoolga, outside the NAB

Footpath - Nightingale Street, Woolgooga, outside the Pharmacy

Sawtell

Footpath - First Avenue, Sawtell, outside the RSL

Coffs Harbour

City Square Sails - Coffs Harbour, outside the St George

Please note: The lane way next to Woolworths in Park Avenue Coffs Harbour is a thoroughfare and bus stop and is therefor not appropriate for busking.

Step 4.Submit your application 

You will need to indicate you have your insurance when you apply. The application should take about 5 minutes.

Buskers under 18

Buskers under 18 must have the consent of a parent or guardian when they apply. Buskers under 16 years of age must also be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times while busking.

Apply to busk in a designated area

What happens next?

You will see a confirmation screen in the booking system that your request has been accepted. You will also receive a confirmation email.

Please remember to take a copy of your insurance with you when busking so that it can be inspected by an officer of the City.