Circle act busking permits

​​​The circle act busking permit allows buskers to perform in designated areas in the city. 

Performances must not exceed 60 minutes in duration. Time on the pitch should also include pack up and cleaning of the site.

Circle act permit holders are required to maintain public liability insurance. Find out more about our public liability insurance requirements.

Find out more about busking permit conditions and how to apply.

Circle acts with dangerous goods

Buskers who use dangerous goods such as fire, modified knives, bed of nails, whips or swords are required to demonstrate their skills and experience and demonstrate their understanding of safety for the public and themselves.

Specialist busking peer assessors for circle act performers who use dangerous goods conduct safety assessments monthly.

Circle acts may also be subject to additional criteria and conditions as advised by the specialist peer assessors and the City of Melbourne. 

• You will be assessed by a City of Melbourne representative and specialist busking peer assessors if your act involves the use of flammable substances or modified knives, whips and swords.  
• You may be subjected to additional criteria and conditions as advised by the specialist peer assessor and the​ City of Melbourne.  
• You are required to attend a safety assessment as well as a safety, amenity and performance review.
  

Safety assessment dates​​

You must register your interest and have your application confirmed before attending a safety assessment. The assessments will not run unless we have confirmed assessment registrations. 

Register your interest ​by midday on the Monday before the safety assessment date.

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