Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To Take my Son Busking

23 replies

Cramlington567 · 03/04/2023 20:54

He is 14 next month. Apparently that is the legal age.

He is trying to start a paper round (we still havent found a shop with vacancies though), always says he wants more money. He has £500 saved towards a gaming PC which is £1200. We give him £5 pocket money a week plus about £150 /£200 at xmas and birthdays. Pay his gym membership or any other activites he does or things he needs. Maybe time to increase pocket money to £10.

I would rather he concentrates on his school work and other activities than do a paper round. He is working towards Grade 7 violin and practices 45 minutes a day. Maybe two birds with one stone would be to busk.

Dunno why but I would be a bit embarassed about him busking in our local town centre but could take him to the next town. I would sit on a bench nearby to make sure he is ok. I wouldnt force him to do it or anything, just offer it as an option instead of a paper round. I think he would earn more money too and not exhaust himself since he has a busy life generally with lots of extra curricular activities.

Thoughts?

OP posts:
doodlejump1980 · 03/04/2023 20:59

Do it! Find the tourist traps, eg I have a couple of pupils who play easy Scottish pieces where the buses drop off cruise ship passengers in the highlands. They also charge for pictures (they’re usually kilted up). It can be very profitable, but be close by in case of chancers

Stripycatz · 03/04/2023 21:08

I'd definitely put it to him.
Could there be other earning opportunities? Baby sitting? Cutting lawns? Washing cars etc?

124568910wrongway · 03/04/2023 21:12

Find yourself a nice cafe with a window seat rather than bench!

Ylvamoon · 03/04/2023 21:15

Depends a bit on the area you live in.

Touristy / ppopular big city definitely give it a go! Small local towns maybe not quite suitable.

I agree with dressing smartly and playing easily recognisable tunes will help- maybe he can persuade a few friends to join in?

Jonei · 03/04/2023 21:17

Definitely. I think it would be a great thing to do.

icanneverthinkofnc · 03/04/2023 21:21

Do it...my son did it at a similar age...made a small fortune. We also did Carol singing at Christmas. My sons sang full Christmas carols. They were getting upwards of a fiver per house! This was getting on for 20 years ago.

Comefromaway · 03/04/2023 21:24

Brilliant idea.

my son is older and has just bought a portable amp for busking. Lots of his friends (he’s at conservatoire) do it.

SmileyClare · 03/04/2023 21:27

I’d say pick your spot carefully. Poor taste to be stood next to a Big Issue seller or homeless person who need street money to survive.

Be prepared for good and bad receptions from the general public. Groups of teens can heckle or take the mickey/ film him on their phones etc so he needs to be prepared for that.

SmileyClare · 03/04/2023 21:33

I agree with dressing smartly

I don’t. Dont stick him on the street in a suit or similar. He’s 14- I can’t help think he’d be a laughing stock at school Sad
..I guess it depends on the area you live in but I’d advise his usual leisure wear!

DDivaStar · 03/04/2023 22:02

You better check if he needs a permit, you do in some places.

DrCoconut · 03/04/2023 22:12

@DDivaStar I was going to say that. Sometimes it can take a while to earn the cost of a permit back, if you get one to begin with.

Comefromaway · 03/04/2023 22:17

There are very, very few places where you need a permit and I think they are all in London.

Deliaskis · 03/04/2023 22:20

I busked with a couple of friends as a teen and it was many many years in my adult career before I could equal my busking earnings when worked out as an hourly rate. Plus it was fun.

DDivaStar · 03/04/2023 22:35

@DrCoconut its just worth checking. Often more popular spots/ tourist areas do.

DDivaStar · 03/04/2023 22:36

DDivaStar · 03/04/2023 22:35

@DrCoconut its just worth checking. Often more popular spots/ tourist areas do.

Sorry should have tagged @Comefromaway

RestingRulers · 03/04/2023 23:39

Comefromaway · 03/04/2023 21:24

Brilliant idea.

my son is older and has just bought a portable amp for busking. Lots of his friends (he’s at conservatoire) do it.

Aggggghhhhhhhhh! I can just about tolerate busking but can't stand it when they make it sooo loud.

Goodread1 · 03/04/2023 23:46

Hi Op
He needs a up to date street entertainment Permit from council,

I believe you can apply online for it like Gov. uK

Goodread1 · 03/04/2023 23:47

GOV.UK Website

Comefromaway · 04/04/2023 00:22

You only need a licence in certain parts of London (despite what some people might try to tell you). Some areas have guidelines, but they are guidelines not law. There are a few caveats such as noise levels, not selling anything (eg CD’s) and not causing a nuisance.

the buskers & street performers in the UK Facebook group is good for info.

Comefromaway · 04/04/2023 00:23

RestingRulers · 03/04/2023 23:39

Aggggghhhhhhhhh! I can just about tolerate busking but can't stand it when they make it sooo loud.

Show quote history

His keyboard doesn’t have internal speakers. It’s not loud, it’s the same volume as an acoustic piano.

Comefromaway · 04/04/2023 00:24

The amp is nothing like the PA system he uses when he gigs with his band.

Murdoch1949 · 05/04/2023 05:12

One step up from begging.

Lastnamedidntstick · 05/04/2023 05:25

What does your son think?

your post is all about you- you’ll be embarrassed etc.

suggest it. If he’s up for it let him go for it. Help him work out if he needs permits etc, discuss a decent spot, then let him do it.

don’t sit on a bench nearby unless he wants you to. If he is spotted by friends his mum being there will just give them fodder to take the piss.

he’s 14, not 8.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page