**Newport Introduces ‘Busk Stops’ to Celebrate and Encourage Street Music**
In a new initiative aiming to revitalise public spaces and foster creative expression, Newport has introduced several designated ‘busk stops’ throughout its city centre. The project, spearheaded by Newport City Council, seeks to invite more residents and visitors to participate in music-making and street performance, helping to cement the city’s reputation as a vibrant hub for the arts.
Seven of these marked busking spots can now be seen in key locations around Newport’s bustling urban centre. The council’s move is not simply about music; it is about reclaiming public spaces for communal enjoyment, encouraging spontaneous cultural encounters, and breathing more life into the city streets.
The locations chosen for these new busk stops are strategic, ensuring accessibility and optimum footfall. Among the selected sites are prominent spots such as Queensway, directly outside the railway station, and High Street, in the vicinity of well-loved music venues including the Corn Exchange and Le Pub. Other stops have been installed at the Market bus station, Upper Dock Street, near the intersection of High Street and Bridge Street, Austin Friars, Commercial Street close to the Charles Street junction, and Llanarth Street.
Partial funding for the installation of these stops came from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, underlining the importance of community development and cultural enrichment. By establishing designated areas, the initiative aims to provide performers with clearly-marked, endorsed spaces, simultaneously supporting street artists and ensuring performances are conducted in a considerate manner for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Councillor James Clarke, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and business growth, described busking as a “centuries-old tradition,” noting its role in making cities more lively and welcoming. “Regular visitors to the city centre will know that buskers often take up spots and entertain passers-by,” he said. “We want to let them know they are welcomed and encouraged, and the busk stops will help people know where to find them.”
The enthusiasm for Newport’s music scene has grown steadily in recent years, bolstered by the successful launch of the Newport Music Trail in March. The trail, a free event showcasing local talent, was widely praised, and organisers have announced plans to repeat the festival next spring, on 27 and 28 March 2026. According to the council, the hope is that the momentum generated by the Music Trail will spill over into street performances, with the busk stops acting as regular stages for aspiring musicians and entertainers.
In addition to supporting solo musicians and bands, city officials are optimistic that the busk stops will invite a broader range of performers, from magicians to street poets, providing an inclusive platform for diverse creative voices. “We also hope that the busk stops will be used for other forms of street entertainment and will attract new local talent as well as our regular performers,” Councillor Clarke added.
Nonetheless, would-be buskers are reminded to abide by the city’s guidelines for public performance. The council maintains clear rules, such as ensuring performances do not create excessive noise, do not obstruct public pathways, and do not include overt requests for payment. Trading of goods or services without the proper licence is prohibited, and busking is restricted to specific parts of the city and for limited durations.
With this new initiative, Newport joins a growing number of UK cities that are rethinking urban spaces and supporting grassroots culture in enjoyable, accessible ways. The coming months may well see a wave of new street entertainment—adding music and cheer to the everyday city experience, and perhaps inspiring others to embrace the microphone for the very first time.