Beccles Sunday Market – Busking & Live Performance Guidelines

Beccles Sunday Market welcomes buskers, musicians, singers, DJs and live performers as part of creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors, traders and the wider community.

The market operates weekly on Sundays in Beccles town centre and we are keen to support local talent, community performers and entertainers of all styles, while ensuring performances remain respectful to traders, residents, businesses and the public.

No formal licence is currently required to perform at the market, however all performers must register their interest with the market organisers before attending.

At times, we may also invite performers directly to appear at special themed events, seasonal markets or featured entertainment days.

Performer Code of Conduct

Performers are part of the wider market community, which includes:

• Independent traders

• Food vendors

• Local businesses

• Residents

• Visitors and families

• Market organisers and staff

We ask all performers to help maintain a friendly, welcoming and professional atmosphere throughout the market.

Performance Locations

Performances will normally take place within designated entertainment areas within the market footprint.

Please only perform in approved locations allocated by the market team.

As the market grows, certain areas may occasionally be reserved for:

• Scheduled acts

• Sponsored entertainment

• Live DJs

• Special events

• Community performances

If another performer is waiting to use a performance space, please be respectful and share the area fairly.

Performance Times

The market generally operates between:
9:00am – 3:00pm on Sundays

We ask performers to:

• Arrive early for setup where possible

• Keep performances within agreed timeslots

• Avoid excessive repetition

• Take breaks between longer sets

Performers with varied sets and audience interaction are always encouraged.

Sound Levels & Equipment

Please be mindful that Beccles town centre includes nearby shops, cafés, homes and businesses.

The biggest source of complaints at markets and public events is excessive sound volume, so we ask performers to keep volume levels sensible and respectful at all times.

Guidelines:

• Amplified music is permitted in moderation

• Equipment must be portable and safely managed

• Cables and equipment must not create trip hazards

• Generators must be discussed with organisers in advance

• Equipment should never be left unattended

• Large-scale sound systems may require prior approval

If a market organiser, council representative or nearby business asks for volume to be reduced, performers must comply immediately.

Safety & Public Access

Performers must ensure:

• Public walkways remain clear

• Emergency access routes are unobstructed

• Audiences do not block traders or neighbouring businesses

• Any setup is safely secured

Please remember that crowds gathering around performances can sometimes create congestion. If needed, performers may be asked to temporarily pause or reposition.

Donations & Merchandise

Performers are welcome to accept voluntary donations from the public.

However:

• Members of the public should never feel pressured to contribute

• Aggressive collection methods are not permitted

• Merchandise sales must be agreed with organisers in advance

Young Performers

Performers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

Registering Interest

Anyone wishing to perform at Beccles Sunday Market should provide:

• Name

• Contact email and phone number

• Performance type/style

• Social media links (if applicable)

• Any setup or power requirements

• Confirmation that you have read and agree to these guidelines

Optional:

• Photos/videos of previous performances

• Promotional images

• Social media handles for tagging

Promotion

We love supporting local performers and may feature acts across:

• Instagram - @beccles_sunday_market_suffolk

• Facebook @beccles sunday market

• TikTok @beccles_sunday_market

• Posters and event promotions

• Press releases and market advertising

Please feel free to tag:
@beccles_sunday_market_suffolk

Working Together

The aim of Beccles Sunday Market is to create a positive, welcoming and enjoyable Sunday experience for the whole town.

We encourage performers to:

• Support traders and local businesses

• Interact positively with visitors

• Help create a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere

• Work collaboratively with the market team

We are excited to build a long-term entertainment programme featuring local musicians, singers, DJs, acoustic acts, choirs, community groups and performers throughout the year.

For performance enquiries please use our contact form: