Street Performer Byelaws

Cork City Council – Street Performer Byelaws
Effective from 20th May 2024

Cork City Council celebrates the creativity and vibrancy that street performers bring to our city. Buskers add colour and character to our streets, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere that’s enjoyed by locals, businesses, and visitors alike.

To ensure everyone benefits — performers, businesses, and the public — we’ve introduced new Street Performer Byelaws to help manage performances fairly and respectfully across the city.

Do I Need a Permit?

Yes — all street performers must have a valid Street Performer Permit.

How to Apply:

You can apply for a Street Performer Permit here:

Street Perfomer Permit

or complete a paper form (downloadable from the bottom of this page).
Send paper applications to:
Street Performer Applications, Waste Enforcement, Cork City Council, City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork
Or email them to: streetperformer@corkcity.ie

Permit Costs

Under 25? It’s free! You still need a permit, but there’s no charge.

• Annual Permit: €30
• Annual Permit with Amplification: €60 (€30 permit + €30 amplification fee)
• Short-Term (3 months): €10
• Short-Term with Amplification: €20

Groups:

• Each group member (up to 6 people) needs their own permit.
• For larger groups (7+), a Group Leader Permit is available for €180.
  Contact us for more info: streetperformer@corkcity.ie

Important:

• Your permit must be with you while performing.
• It’s non-transferable and valid only for the named performer.
• Performers under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian during performances.

Where and When Can I Perform?

There are 23 designated locations across Cork City. Each location has staggered time slots to ensure fairness and variety.

Key Rules:

• Perform for a maximum of 2 hours at any location.
• Move at least 50 metres to your next spot.
• Don’t return to the same location until the next day.
• Keep 3 metres clear of entrances to businesses and homes.

Amplifiers, Backing Tracks & Sound Levels

• Backing tracks are allowed.
• No petrol or diesel generators — only battery-powered or plug-in devices.
• Sound levels must stay below 75dB in the surrounding area.

Donations

Performers cannot charge for performances, but you can accept donations.
This includes using:

• A hat, bucket, or case
• Contactless payment options
• QR codes

Behaviour & Conduct

To keep Cork City fun and respectful for everyone, performers must:

• Have at least 30 minutes of non-repetitive material
• Avoid offensive or discriminatory language, lyrics, or behaviour
• Keep their performance safe and professional
• Stay sober (no alcohol or intoxicants while performing)
• Clean up their performance area before and after
• Respect other performers, the public, businesses, and Council or Gardaí

Exemptions

These byelaws do not apply to:

• Events organised or licensed by Cork City Council
• Collections with Garda permission under the Charities Act 2009
• Fundraising performances granted exemption by the Council

What Happens If I Break the Rules?

If a byelaw is breached:

• You may receive a €75 Fixed Payment Notice
• If paid within 28 days, no further action will be taken

Need Help or Have a Question?

We’re happy to help!
Phone: 021 4924000
Email: servicecentre@corkcity.ie

Or for performer-specific queries:
Email: streetperformer@corkcity.ie

Let’s work together to keep Cork’s streets creative, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone!