Tobias Strongman, an opera singer, faced arrest in Lymington after market stallholders complained about his loud performances.
A police officer told Tobias to stop singing, mid-song. The officer said he could hear him at the station and threatened Tobias with arrest for breach of the peace.
Traders had complained to the council and police. Tobias usually sings outside the post office, where he said he gets a crowd.
Some stallholders shouted at him to leave, while others told him to lower the volume. He said he always turns it down when asked.
Tobias left after the incident last Thursday and shared it on social media. Fans online showed strong support, with over 400 people commenting.
Tobias apologized for any upset he caused, stating he wants to bring joy to people. He asked supporters to contact officials so he can get permission to return.
Lymington residents were angry. One person found the police action ludicrous, while another felt it wasted police resources. Someone mentioned thefts going unsolved.
Tobias received many offers, including singing in shops and festival invites. He felt grateful for the positive response and hopes things get resolved soon.
A market trader stated some stallholders want Tobias banned. The trader admitted Tobias has a great voice, but the noise is too much, he allegedly refuses to be quieter, his songs repeat for four hours, and crowds block access to stalls.
Lymington’s mayor, Jack Davies, commented that busking is fine, but the noise impacts the traders. He claims Tobias refused to lower the volume and stated the council wants to work with him.
Tobias denied refusing to turn down the music, claiming he always complies. The town council welcomes buskers who follow rules defined by the New Forest District Council.
The council claims Tobias did not follow the rules. His volume was too high and customers couldn’t hear traders. They asked him to reduce his sound level to allow normal business to continue.