London Noise Dispute: Residents Clash with Buskers Over Leicester Square Sounds

London residents are upset with noisy street performers. They hear “Sweet Caroline” too often, and the music plays late into the night. Some say the music is poorly sung, making working during the day hard.

Businesses near Leicester Square took action. They sued Westminster Council over buskers, claiming the council isn’t controlling the noise. Buskers, however, feel they add to London’s culture.

Fadil Maqedonci lives near Leicester Square. He spent £4,000 on soundproofing windows, but says it did not block the noise. He even begged buskers to stop at 3 AM.

Buskers use loud amplifiers illegally, and Fadil says they ignore the rules. He claims they swear and turn crowds against him. The court heard the same songs play repeatedly, and the volume is too high, even late at night.

Simon Thomas runs the Hippodrome Casino. He said amplified music disrupts his work, stating that musicians should not exceed 78 decibels. He recorded them reaching 115 decibels. Loud music makes meetings impossible, and amplifiers evolved and are now much more powerful.

Reporters recorded 86 decibels near buskers. Buskers must get a license to play and agree to a code of conduct. The rules include ending performances by 9 PM, varied songs, and basic amplifiers.

Since September 2024, six buskers faced prosecution, charged with unlicensed street entertainment. Fines ranged from £300 to £1,600. One person received a conditional discharge.

Locals feel this isn’t enough, that the council isn’t policing the noise. Some workers rely on noise-canceling headphones. Some buskers agree the noise can be an issue.

Matt Bawtree, a busker, says some musicians are not amazing. His guitarist disagreed, mentioning song repetition occurs everywhere. He said London busking is the best, believing tourists enjoy it, and suggested an audition system.

Others see no problem with the buskers, thinking it is part of the city’s atmosphere. Jenny Bogolovova works in Leicester Square and has never had a problem with buskers, as she thinks they improve the area.

Hashim believes they are earning a living and that bigger problems, like theft, exist. Council representative, Jonathan Manning, says buskers are not a nuisance, but he claims the busker can be found. The evidence shows the opposite, he added, as witnesses knew some buskers well.

The council wants to find a balance, lessening disruption while allowing street performers to entertain. The council will address noise concerns, seize equipment, and prosecute when needed.