For two decades, Tommi has embodied a living statue, striving to remain motionless despite the challenges posed by hail, rambunctious dogs, and playful teenagers.
However, the announcement that Leicester Square would cease allowing street performers has deeply affected him, marking the end of one of London’s most beloved attractions for tourists.
Effective Thursday, the area will be clear of musicians, mimes, and magicians—leaving behind only the sounds of traffic and the iconic Shakespeare fountain. Westminster Council stated that it had “no choice” but to enforce this contentious ban in response to noise complaints.
Tommi has particular reason to feel aggrieved, as his silent performance rivals the noise complaints prevalent among other street artists. When The Guardian met him, he was dressed as a golden Charlie Chaplin, although he has a variety of costumes, including a cowboy and a Viking.
“We pour our heart into what we do,” he remarked. “Even when we’re feeling down, we put on a smile for the children. It’s not an easy job; the costume can be freezing in winter and uncomfortably hot in summer due to the makeup.”
This sentiment rings true for fellow performers, even those who don’t face the challenge of applying gold body paint for 45 minutes each morning.
“The heart of busking in London is Leicester Square,” expressed Myles Crossley, 28, who entertained passersby with one final performance of Coldplay’s “Yellow” on Wednesday afternoon. “In this TikTok era, where people seek quick bursts of dopamine from short videos, it’s refreshing to witness people gathering to enjoy live music. Losing that experience is truly disappointing.”
This decision comes as Westminster Council, the governing body for this landmark area, has expressed that the ban on street performers was made necessary by a magistrate’s judgment labeling amplified, repetitive busking as a public nuisance, comparable to “psychological torture.”
Global Media, prominent for its commercial radio stations, instigated the case against the council after employees reportedly sought refuge in cupboards to escape the ongoing noise. Notably, renditions of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” became a specific grievance among the staff.
“I don’t know a single busker who performs ‘Sweet Caroline,’” chuckled Ben Vibart-Dixon, who has busked in the square for seven years. “We all dislike it! It’s the type of song we’re occasionally asked to play at pubs, begrudgingly.”
Like numerous artists, Vibart-Dixon arrives at his spot every morning at 9:00 a.m. and adheres to a first-come-first-served queueing system. He warned that the remaining 26 performance spots in Westminster, including those at Covent Garden, will become increasingly competitive due to this ban.
“It’s going to be chaotic this summer. Last year, people were arriving as early as 7:30 a.m. in Leicester Square, and this year will likely be worse. Making a living will become increasingly challenging,” he lamented.
On a good day, busking can provide a decent income. “For a talented performer, it can be quite lucrative,” commented Luke Silva, an Italian musician with 1.77 million YouTube subscribers. “This opportunity has been life-changing for me, and emerging artists may lose out on such experiences.”
“We face numerous challenges—hecklers, weather uncertainties, and events that disrupt performances,” shared Agustin, a 28-year-old singer from Argentina. “It can rain, be excessively hot, or be made impossible due to special events like film premieres. I even had my money stolen last week.”
Unions such as Equity and the Musicians’ Union are urging the council to contest the ruling, but Westminster Council is still considering its next steps. “Westminster is a truly unique area to visit and reside in,” stated Aicha Lees, deputy leader of Westminster Council. “We are committed to balancing the needs of our residents and businesses, acknowledging that buskers play an essential role in the West End.”
Lees mentioned that officers would monitor the area continuously to ensure that any unauthorized performers receive a warning. Unfortunately, this does little to ease the situation for those who rely on two 45-minute sets each day in the square for their income.
“This has been the happiest chapter of my life,” Agustin expressed. “I cherish being able to pursue my passion for a living, and I hope it isn’t taken from me.”
