Busking fees for street artists will be waived this year to support the sector and cheer up the streets, the City of Hamilton announced today.

The city charges a $30 a year fee for a busking permit that allows artists to perform or display their work in designated areas.

Jessica Astwood, the city’s marketing and communications director, said: “Every year the City of Hamilton hosts a busker programme which aims to promote and engage local artists by taking the arts to the people on the streets of Hamilton.

“Performance and visual arts zones have been created in specific public places to enliven the city, promote creative expression and expose members of the public to Bermuda’s local talent in free, outdoor public venues.

“Typically, we require an annual $30 application fee for busking within the city, but we have decided to waive the fee this year as we appreciate the added financial pressure that the pandemic has placed on our community and, in particular, on our artists and entertainers.”

Buskers will still be required to register with the city and limit their activities to special areas where artists can display, market or create new work live or performance zones where musicians can perform.

Nellie’s Walk – the area in front of City Hall – and Queen Elizabeth Park are both designated as performance areas and Wesley Square, at the southwest corner of the City Hall car park, is a visual arts zone.

Dr EF Gordon Square, on the corner of Dundonald and Court Streets, is a visual arts zone and a performance zone.

Ms Astwood said: “This programme presents a unique opportunity for Bermudian artists to be seen and heard live in public space, to receive funds from the public for their performance or works and to promote themselves and their artistic works right in the centre of the city.”

To register for the busker programme, visit https://hamilton.rja.revize.com/forms/875.