Street Performing and Busking in Penrith

Penrith is a vibrant and dynamic city with distinctive landscapes and public spaces. Penrith Council welcomes the colour and energy street performers and buskers bring to the city; from playing music, singing and dancing to all sorts of performances that entertain the public.

If you are a street performer or busker, you’ll find below the key information you need to start performing in the Penrith and St Marys City Centres.

If you're interested in performing at Open Mic Nights, please contact Caroline oncaroline.holmes@penrith.city

COVID-19 update 

During COVID-19 it is the registered buskers responsibility to manage crowds in line with NSW Health restrictions and a reminder that audiences must adhere to social distancing and keep 1.5m social distance and practiced good hand hygiene

For more information around busking during COVID-19  please contact Caroline oncaroline.holmes@penrith.city

Street Performers Policy

Street Performers and Buskers are required to familiarise themselves with Council’s Street Performers Policy. Some key points are outlined below with further information available within the policy.

Download the Street Performers Policy.

Street Performers/Busking permit

Anyone wishing to do street performing or busking within the Penrith LGA must hold a valid permit from Council.

Permit application process

• All applicants must apply for a permit in person at Penrith City Council and agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the permit. 
• All applicants must provide a completed application form and pay the relevant non-refundable permit application fee.
• Young people under 16 years of age require written permission from a parent or guardian and that parent or guardian must accompany the applicant with photo identification when applying for a permit.

Download the Penrith City Council Street Performers/Busking Application Form

Applications will be assessed as quickly as possible by Penrith City Council and if approved, posted to the applicant. Please allow between 2 – 4 weeks for the permit to be processed and mailed back to you.

If there are any problems with your application, a Council Officer will contact you to discuss the issue.

Assessment of applications

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Appropriate Location: Proposed location for performing within the Penrith City Centre and St Marys Town Centre are identified in the Street Performers Policy. Other sites will be considered on a case by case basis upon application.
• Attractive and Quality of Appearance: Street performing should create a comfortable ambience in the public realm and contribute to the amenity of the public space.
• Diverse and Engaging: Street performing should offer a variety of performances, positively engage passers-by and create a sense of interest and curiosity.
• Safety and Amenity: The safety and security of the general public is a significant consideration when assessing a street performers application.
• Accessibility: Street performing should be integrated into the street in a way that does not compromise circulation and safety requirements for other users of the street or space. 

Council reserves the right to deny applications that will not meet the objectives of this policy.

Prohibited activities

Permits will not be issued for any of the following activities:

• Vendors or selling of any kind (with the exception of clause 11 - General Conditions and Guidelines) – including balloon sculpting or modelling, tarot cards, palm reading, artists selling their works, massage or any type of healing therapy and solicitation of money for any purpose
• Fundraising, events or promotions, even if they involve any element of performance as previously listed
• Spruiking - religious, political or any other kind
• Face or body painting and temporary tattoo application
• The City of Penrith does not permit any performance which involves an animal, reptile or bird and permits will not be issued for such performers
• The use of sharp objects or other dangerous instruments such as knives, swords, chainsaws, fireworks, stockwhips, fire, flammable liquids and other hazardous substances that may cause a risk to public safety are prohibited.

Areas where buskers can perform

Buskers can perform in permitted areas provided they adhere to the Street Performers Policy including conditions of permit approval.

Please see the maps below highlighting approved locations for street performing and busking in Penrith and St Marys. These sites are also identified in the Street Performers Policy.

Approved locations

Please note: failing to follow the Street Performers Policy may incur a penalty notice issued under section 626 (3) of the Local Government Act 1993.

These fees are outlined in Council's Fees & Charges.