Busking Licenses

Now Available

 

Entertain Crowds      -     Earn Some Cash

Create a Vibrant Atmosphere    -     Get Spotted

 

Since opening in September 2007 St. Stephen’s has become the most talked about shopping district in Hull and East Yorkshire, with an average of 160,000 visitors per week.

 

We are keen to develop ‘street life vibrancy’ to St. Stephen’s in a way that adds to the atmosphere and enables street entertainers and buskers to express themselves creatively and earn an income from the donations of shoppers.

 

Commencing in May 2008, we will be launching a system whereby approved entertainers are issued a busking license to perform at key areas on the high street giving you exposure and potential income from the thousands of people using St. Stephens.

 

Further information and an application form is available by contacting john@eskimosoup.co.uk or by calling 01482 222123.

 

Please note that entertainers will be required to audition before being granted a license.

Why Busk in St. Stephen’s?

·         St. Stephens is a very busy high street with an estimated 30,000 people using the facilities per day on Saturdays and Sundays. This concentrated footfall and seated areas increase the chances of donations being made by members of the public

·         The St. Stephen’s High Street is undercover thus providing protection against adverse weather conditions

·         The varied visitor profile means that you can promote your art to a wide audience; you never know who might be watching!

·         St. Stephens has a dedicated security team meaning them buskers can perform and bring equipment in the knowledge that assistance is available if required. There may also be opportunities to store basic equipment and change ahead of performances

·         Busking can be great fun as well as financially worth while!

 

About Busking

Busking is a time honored tradition going back to medieval times when wandering minstrels and bards travelled from place to place and acted not only as entertainers but also as news reporters and message bearers. The term 'Sing for your Supper' probably originated from around that era, when it was common practice for inns and stall holders to pay the busker with a meal and/or a bed for the night instead of money.

A 'Busker' is now defined as any form of entertainer including (but not limited to!) solo singers or musicians, one man bands with multiple instruments, carollers, duos, trios, bands, magicians, clowns and balloon artists.

 

Standing on a street corner may not be your idea of making a living, but many entertainers have supplemented their education, started their careers or travelled the world by busking. Earnings vary from nothing to over £20 an hour.

Thanks to www.vocalist.org.uk

 

So, what do you need to do?

1.       Complete the St. Stephens busking application form. Please provide us with information about your act, preferred performance times, preferred number of performances etc.

2.       Please send the form either by email to john@eskimosoup.co.uk or by post to Busking Application c/o Eskimo Soup Presents, Suite 18, 44-46 High Street, Danish Buildings, Hull, HU1 1PQ. Please call 01482 222123 with any queries.

3.       Await contact from a member of tour. You may be asked to audition to gain your license. If you are successful you will be issued with your license.

4.       Please turn-up to St. Stephen’s on time and with a sense of fun!

5.       Please provide us with feedback about your busking experience; we want to make sure that this is a sustainable and worthwhile programme for all involved.