‘Psychological Torture’: London Bans Busking in a Famed Tourist Hub
nytimes.comPublished: 4/18/2025
Summary
For decades, street musicians have performed at Leicester Square, a London hotspot, before turning into superstars. Recently, Westminster City Council banned performances citing "nuisance" from repetitive sounds like pop songs, leading media company Global to sue after workers faced overwhelming noise and had to hide in cupboards. Critics argue that buskers are controversial, with some appreciating their charm while others dislike them, but the ban reflects public backlash.