Once a common sight in Melbourne, street performers are dwindling in numbers as fewer people are applying for busking permits from the City of Melbourne.
According to data, the number of busking permits issued by the City of Melbourne has significantly dropped over the past two years, with a further decline expected in 2025.
In 2023, the city issued 1873 busking permits, which decreased to 968 permits in 2024. As of June 10, 2025, only 416 permits have been issued.
Buskers, who perform in public spaces in exchange for donations, are required to apply for a permit from the local council. In Melbourne, general permits cost $40 annually, while premium permits cost $100. Premium permit holders, like Adam Seidel, have the opportunity to perform in popular locations such as Bourke Street Mall.
Source: The Age
