The New Community Hub Making NOISE for Street Performers

London’s grassroots music scene, a 100% female-led organisation, What Does Not prepares for its latest event NOISE on December 13th dedicated to celebrating street performers and confronting the challenges they face in the city.

Street performance has long been a cornerstone of London’s cultural identity, giving rise to stars such as Ed Sheeran, Rod Stewart, and Tracy Chapman. Yet, today’s buskers are grappling with an escalating crackdown that threatens their art form. 90% of traditional busking pitches in central London have been removed, leaving only two designated spaces. In a move emblematic of these challenges, Westminster Council has taken an aggressive stance, resulting in one of the December lineup’s performers now holding a criminal record simply for performing in public.

Exacerbating the issue, major corporations like Global Radio - the owners of Heart Radio, Capital FM, and LBC - have taken legal action against Westminster Council over the noise levels associated with street performances in Leicester Square. While their case focuses on a balance between public entertainment and business operations, it has indirectly fuelled pressure to sideline buskers further.

“Music creates common ground and brings people together,” says Christine Charitonos, founder of What Does Not. “We need to find a middle ground between preserving the livelihoods of artists and addressing the concerns of local businesses. Eradicating busking entirely is not the answer.”

A Celebration of Resilience

On December 13th, NOISE will transform The Ministry in Borough, SE1, into a vibrant hub of creativity, combining live performances, open jam sessions, and live art installations. The lineup showcases a cross-genre blend of some of London’s finest street talent, including:

• Harry Marshall: A renowned Piccadilly busker directly impacted by recent restrictions.

• Righteous Reck, Nadia Sheikh, NuAloe, and Elliott Herrington: Rising stars representing the diversity of London’s music scene.

  
  

Attendees can expect interactive experiences like a games room and pay-what-you-can ticketing, ensuring accessibility for all.

Recognising the complexities of the issue, the event aims to go beyond performances by fostering dialogue. Panels discussing the intersection of busking and business will explore potential solutions to maintain London’s artistic vibrancy while addressing community concerns.

Grassroots support from the top

This edition of NOISE is part of the Mayor of London’s “London Creates” campaign, which champions grassroots initiatives. The collaboration underscores the importance of street performance as a cultural asset, not just for the artists but for the city as a whole.

Charitonos adds, “London and busking are deeply interconnected. Protecting this tradition is essential for the city’s creative soul.”

Event Details

• When: December 13th, 2024

• Where: The Ministry, Borough, SE1

• What:

  • Live performances by Harry Marshall, Righteous Reck, Nadia Sheikh, NuAloe, and Elliott Herrington.

  • Open jam session, live art, and a games room.

  • Ticket Info: Pay-what-you-can, with a special discount for participating jammers. Tickets are available via DICE: Event Link

About NOISE

NOISE is a unique blend of underground showcase and open jam, creating a dynamic pop-up music venue experience that champions undiscovered talent and redefines the music industry.

Born out of deep research and collaboration with London’s underground scene, NOISE responds to the challenges faced by grassroots music. As rising costs and gentrification push authentic culture to the fringes, NOISE brings it back to the heart of the city, offering artists vital exposure to diverse audiences beyond their own subcultures.

With handpicked lineups of emerging talent and a multidisciplinary approach, NOISE celebrates creativity in all forms. From live performances to games rooms, makers’ markets, and food pop-ups, NOISE is creating a community-driven platform for music and artistic expression.