Busking at Sydney Fish Market
Sydney Fish Market welcomes buskers, performers and entertainers to add colour and vibrancy across the precinct while visitors enjoy the Market and views over Blackwattle Bay.
A permit is required for all buskers to maintain a diverse range of acts that are safe and benefit our unique atmosphere and wider precinct. Sydney Fish Market operates under the Placemaking NSW Busking Policy (policy is currently under review and will be published shortly).
Obtaining a Busking Permit
What do I need to apply?
- Current Public Liability Insurance Certificate of $10M (Property New South Wales as an interested party)
- Proof of identification
- Parental consent (if under 18 years of age)
- A Visa or Mastercard for payment of the $20 administration fee
- A recent standard size facial photo
- A Special Busking Permit is required if the performance involves the use of dangerous materials and/or implements. Buskers must complete the CBRE Safety assessment to be issued a Special Permit or audition if required
There are four locations across the Sydney Fish Market precinct included within the busking license. Please check the busking location map available here for exact locations.
Buskers are permitted to operate in areas covered by the policy between 12pm and 9pm. Check the Busking at Sydney Fish Market location map available here for conditions on specific sites. A two hour period on all busking pitches is permited, or 45 minutes on all circle sites as indicated on the map. There is no busking on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Australia Day, Good Friday or Easter Sunday. Further restrictions may be placed on busking pitches when special events or activations are programmed in the area.
The Authority imposes a two hour period on all busking pitches. Busking sites with Circle Acts are limited to 45 minute performances without repetition. Buskers should consider the unique Sydney Fish Market environment and the impact each activity has on the precinct, visitors and immediate surrounds.
Pitches are not allowed to be booked or reserved. If buskers are prepared to do so, they are permitted to wait at an occupied pitch until the current busker’s two hours expires, at which time there should be a changeover of performer.
Community groups such as youth associations, church groups, schools, dance or band groups where enrolment or registration is required can apply for a Group Permit. The group will be covered by the Public Liability Insurance of the community group or association. The cost of a group permit is also $20. A group leader/delegate will need to apply and sign for this permit and will be the responsible delegate. This delegate must be present when the group is busking. The group permit may only be used for group performances and may not be used by members performing as individuals. Children under 18 years old performing as part of the group are required to have completed the parental consent form as part this application.
Buskers can only sell digital recordings of their own performance and music, and advertise the sale of their music by a professional A4 sign. The sale of other items or other performers recordings is prohibited. When buskers accept the terms of conditions of the busking policy, they also accept these terms and conditions.