Busking Tips by Location: Lincolnshire

​Welcome to my Busking Tips by Location series. I’ve busked all throughout the UK and in some parts of Ireland, so I have a good understanding of the differences in each place. I’ll start my series with what I know best: Lincolnshire. These are my secret tips which I’ve learned over several years of busking.

Busking in a new location can be scary so the first thing is to make sure wherever you go is safe. You might also consider busking with someone else before going on your own. Here is my post about busking with a band. Networking is a great way to find other musicians as well as tips on where to play.

1. Find the Best Pitches: Local Markets are Your Friends

​Lincoln is a great place to busk any day of the week. There are enough spots where you could find somewhere even if there are other buskers out. Also there are a lot of tourists, students and locals which means a variety of passers by at any time of the day. And if it starts raining you can temporarily hide under The Stonebow if you’re near the high street or under the Exchequer Gate if you’re on the top of the hill. They are the best rainy day busking spots in Lincoln that I can think of, I’ve even played under them when it was raining too much to go back out. It's mild weather now but might get cold soon, so check out my winter busking tips.

If you go to the other villages in Lincolnshire however, there aren’t as many people around. In those cases it’s best to look up when the local markets are happening. A quick google search will help you find the right times and locations. Then you will know when it is a good time to busk in town. In some markets like in Louth, you’re not allowed to busk in the market area without permission, but if you find a spot with good footfall just outside of the market then it’s just as good. As mentioned here you need to make a plan for a successful busking experience.

You want to be welcomed back by the locals.

2. Be Sensitive to Your Surroundings

You should follow the busking etiquette for Lincoln and the towns and villages around Lincolnshire. Some towns are quieter or smaller than others. Also the surrounding buildings affect acoustics. Make sure your music is appropriate to the age group of the people walking by and volume levels are not too high. You want to be welcomed back by the locals. If there are other buskers wanting to play, it is best not to overstay your welcome. Some buskers in Lincoln, for example, find a pitch and stay there literally all day, which goes against Lincoln’s code of conduct. This leads me to point number 3.

Busking in Horncastle. Photo by Ash Keer

3. Regulations

You don’t need a licence to busk and there are no laws regarding busking in Lincolnshire. However, local councils usually have guidelines on their websites. This is the city of Lincoln’s code of conduct for busking https://democratic.lincoln.gov.uk/documents/s56898/Busking%20Code%20of%20Conduct%20-%20June%202021.pdf. The main point is to treat everyone with respect and it’ll be an enjoyable experience for everyone.

4. Enjoy Yourself

Historic Lincolnshire is a beautiful place to perform. Many people go into the town centres to shop and enjoy the surroundings, buskers are a part of adding to that experience. It’s easy to forget when busking is your full time job, but if you are cheerful and enjoy the experience, it will show in your performance.

Conclusion: Busking in Lincolnshire's villages is a rewarding venture for musicians seeking a more intimate connection with their audience. By tailoring your approach to the unique characteristics of each village and respecting local conventions, you'll create a musical experience that resonates with both villagers and visitors alike. Next in this series is Nottinghamshire, so keep your eye out for that.
 
Have you busked in Lincolnshire? Do you have any busking stories in Lincolnshire villages? Add your tips in the comment section below!