Plans to expand city centre busking zones drawn up

The number of designated zones for buskers in Leicester city centre could be expanded under new proposals.

Leicester City Council set out four pitches for performers earlier this year when it launched a pilot scheme, called Busk Leicester, in a bid to both encourage and manage street entertainers.

Officials have published a report after assessing the scheme, which shows there have been 117 free-of-charge bookings at the pitch sites since the project began.

Performance pitches can be hired in High Street, Belgrave Gate, Gallowtree Gate and near the Clock Tower in East Gates, but the council has now suggested widening the scheme to further locations across the city centre.

They include the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery in New Walk, Granby Street, St Peter's Square and at the Haymarket Bus Station and the railway station in London Road.

The report states: "The Busk Leicester pilot has demonstrated clear demand for accessible, managed performance opportunities and provided positive early evidence of its contribution to city centre animation and Leicester's creative offer."

The report also said feedback on the scheme showed it had helped participating artists reach new audiences and build their profiles, while improving the atmosphere in the city centre.

The council added it had one report of a busker being verbally abused by a resident, resulting in the performer being relocated to another spot.

City councillors are to discuss ways to develop the scheme at a scrutiny meeting on Thursday.

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.