For the first time in two years, Transport for London (TfL) is holding auditions to find new musicians to perform on the Tube as part of its licensed busking scheme. These auditions will bring an even more diverse group of artists to the Underground to entertain customers, supplementing the 250 musicians already on the scheme.
Nearly 5 million journeys are made on the Underground each day and busking offers a unique opportunity for performers to reach a wider audience than usual. Successful applicants will be awarded a London Underground busking license, allowing them to perform at designated locations at Tube stations.
They will join a long busking tradition which has been part of the careers of international stars such as Ed Sheeran, Bob Geldof and Jessie J.
This year, TfL will be working with instrument specialists Yamaha Music London to host a series of auditions. Auditions will also take place at Tube stations and iconic music venues around London. The applicants will have to impress a panel of expert judges from the music industry and will be judged according to their repertoire, technical ability and performance skills.
The Underground’s licensed busking programme is linked to the Mayor’s Busk in London programme, which encourages and supports street performances throughout the city.
