Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Busking

Did you know that you have to audition to busk in London? And that in order to busk in Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall you must have a YouTube account?

Fiddle player Faith Grossnicklaus busking on Royal Mile, Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Fiddle player Faith Grossnicklaus busking on the Royal Mile during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

In Edinburgh, you don’t require a license to busk provided no payment is requested. During the Fringe Festival, the Fringe Society manages two areas for street performers. The Royal Mile and the Mound Precinct. You need to apply for busking spots. Each slot lasts 30 minutes. 5 minutes to introduce yourself and 25 minutes to perform.

Fiddle player Faith Grossnicklaus busking on Royal Mile, Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Since she had noticed I was taking photographs, she gave me her business card asking me to send her a “few good ones”. Since I very much enjoyed the performance, I did oblige.

The only act I photographed during this year’s festival featured a violinist (Faith) and her accordionist partner (Strangely). Most of the time, I simply listen to the music.

Strangely busing on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Strangely gave me the impression of a rather jovial character.
Strangely busking on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Some musician remain stone faced while playing, but definitely not Strangely.
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