Street performers at Covent Garden in London are celebrating 50 years of performing without the need for a license, fostering a unique, self-governed community since the 1970s. Despite Westminster City Council's recent licensing initiatives aimed at regulating street performances across the borough, the Covent Garden Street Performers Association (CGSPA) has chosen to remain independent. Spokesperson Melvyn Altwarg highlighted the effectiveness of their self-established systems for managing performance schedules and settling disputes. The vibrant tradition of street performance in this historic Piazza, dating back to 1662, has nurtured iconic artists, showcasing its importance to the cultural fabric of the city.
Melvyn Altwarg, a spokesperson for the CGSPA, emphasized, 'Covent Garden works because we built it. No one had to come in with a policy document; we figured it out on the cobblestones.' He highlighted the effectiveness of the self-governing system that has endured for decades, enabling performers to manage their pitches and resolve disputes collaboratively without the need for formal regulation.
Aicha Less, representing the council, stated, 'Licensing ensures fair treatment for all performers,' and expressed a desire to collaborate with the CGSPA in developing guidance for future regulations while supporting the vibrant street performance scene that benefits the community.
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