Streets could be alive with music – if we back the buskers

Tuesday 26 June 2018

Pricey permits and amplification issues could be getting in the way of buskers’ ambitions to set Jersey’s town centre alive with music, according to the politician who's taken on responsibility for 'culture' in the island.

In Jersey, street musicians must pay around £30 for a busking permit after getting through the Jersey Arts Centre recommendation process, whereas Guernsey doesn’t have a fee in place for street buskers.

But Deputy Montfort Tadier, who was recently appointed Assistant Minister with responsibility for Culture, would like to see that change.

He says more needs to be done “to encourage entertainers” to go out and perform, “like reviewing the fee.”

Video: Jersey's youngest ever busker, Seb Kirkby, who entertained town-goers in a bid to raise enough money for a laptop last summer.

“It’s not worthwhile for students who can’t fork the money out,” the Assistant Minister, who himself plays accordion in Jèrriais group Badlabecques, commented.

Currently, it’s not possible to play amplified music in public spaces, leaving musicians who need amplified sound, like keyboard players, at a disadvantage.

Deputy Tadier believes reform and review of the current provisions are necessary to create a “much more vibrant town centre." He said the island could learn from other cities known for their street entertainment.

Today is the day when Fête de la Musique will take over France. There’s music in cafés, on the streets, on the stage- just go where the music takes you! https://t.co/Hdil7ktoA3 #ExperienceFrance #FêteDeLaMusique PC- OTCP/A.Dupont/S.Sergent @fetemusique pic.twitter.com/agbnlLZUVJ

— Rendezvous in France (@IN_FranceFR) June 21, 2018

France hosts events like Fête De La Musique where locals and tourists can enjoy free live performances from all types of artists and genres in the streets of Paris, Nantes, Lyon, Marseille and other main towns across the country once a year.

Deputy Tadier said it would be beneficial for Jersey to do the same, adding: “we should do something every year to normalise it…so people expect to see unusual art and entertainment. 

The Deputy was appointed Assistant Minister with responsibility for Culture less than a month ago and acknowledges the “good stuff going on already”, such as the recent Sunset Concert series at Grantez, St. Ouen. Nonetheless, he says he wants to act as a facilitator in developing local culture even more. 

What a great weekend of music at Grantez for #SunsetConcerts. Thank you to @NatTrustJersey for hosting another great event in this wonderful natural (amphi)theatre and to the excellent musicians, including #SisterDisco #CulturalJersey #JerseyCI pic.twitter.com/VhLURWxhtY

— Montfort Tadier (@DeputyTadier) June 25, 2018

Cuts in funding to established arts organisations are an urgent issue for him, and he feels that work produced from those groups should be more valued by the island.