St Kilda amplified busking trial

How to apply for a permit

It will take up to 5 working days to approve all busking permits. 

1. Complete and submit the online application, including all supporting documentation. This should include a link to your performance for assessment – YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud or similar.
2. Assessment will begin once the application form and supporting documentation are provided.

Application Notes

• Permits fees will be waived for duration of the trial.
• The permit is for the prescribed amplified sites only and does not allow for busking in other locations.
• Group performances can apply under one permit. There is a limit of four (4) people on any one permit.
• We will accept amplified busking applications from musicians and singers of live music only.

Public Liability Coverage

The applicant can be covered under the City of Port Phillip public liability coverage. This is third party coverage only. Please indicate on the application form if you would like to use this coverage.

Locations

Location restrictions

1. The locations in which amplified busking may be permitted is limited to the locations listed below.
2. The approved locations may, on occasion, be used for events or other activities. This permit does not allow for buskers to operate at events approved by Council. This includes, but is not limited to, encroaching on or around any authorised street stalls, market, events or promotions.
3. Busking during the St Kilda Festival requires a separate permit. Please contact the Festivals Team on 03 9209 6306 for information.
4. No space allocated to the St Kilda Esplanade Market may be used by buskers without prior approval from the market manager. Contact the Esplanade Market on 03 9209 6777 or esplanademarket@portphillip.vic.gov.au.
5. Buskers must always keep clear of entrances to shops and buildings.
6. Buskers are not permitted to busk in front of or beside Bank Automated Teller Machines (ATM’s).
7. No obstruction to pedestrian or other traffic movement will be caused by buskers.

Approved Locations 

1. Acland Street - Acland Plaza
2. Acland Street - Shakespeare Grove Corner (Vineyard side)
3. Acland Street - Belford Corner - Outside 110 Acland Street 
4. Fitzroy Street - Outside 123 Fitzroy - Grey Street Corner
5. Fitzroy Street - Outside 7/11 
6. Fitzroy Street – Metropol Corner near the tram stop
7. Carlisle Street - Corner of Camden (Old CBA)
8. Carlisle Street - Outside Poppy and Seed 
9. Carlisle Street - St Kilda Library (where tourism sign is)
10. Luna Park Forecourt 
11. Foreshore location 1 – Between Lifesaving Club and Donovans
12. Foreshore location 2 – Near Sea Baths
13. George Lane - off Grey Street

Conditions

Busking activity which does not meet these conditions and restrictions may be terminated at the direction and/or discretion of a member of the Victoria Police or an authorised Council Officer. 

• A copy of the permit must be retained at the busking site and produced for inspection upon request by Victoria Police or an authorised Council Officer.
• All busking must comply with all local laws, conditions, and requirements. 
• Directions of members of the Victoria Police Force or authorised Officers of the Port Phillip Council must be complied with at all times.
• A passport-sized or similar photograph must be attached to the permit to identify the permit holder.
• Permits are not transferable.
• Buskers can only perform between the hours of 9 am and 9 m and must only perform for a continuous maximum period of 30 minutes followed by a 10-minute break (maximum of 2 hours stationed in any one location). 
• Approved amplified sites are available on a first come first served basis and may not be reserved. 
• No nuisance may be committed.  Buskers must not create a disturbance, annoy, or impact any member of public by their performance or behaviour.
• Busking permit holders are not permitted to ask for or expect payment of any kind based on their busking performance.
• Buskers or their audience must not interfere in any way with an entertainment or activity approved by Council.  This includes, but is not limited to, encroaching on or around any authorised street stall, market, event or promotion.
• Persons under 16 years of age will require written permission from a parent/guardian and will have to be accompanied by a parent/guardian when performing.
• Buskers must obey all relevant laws.
• Permits may be altered or revoked for any reason throughout the trial period.

Contact Event Services

Event Services
Email: eventpermits@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 9209 6320