On February 11, 2026, the Oxford City Council launched a public review to update the rules for street performers in the city centre of Oxford, Oxfordshire. The council is asking residents, businesses, and visitors to share their thoughts on how music and entertainment should be managed in busy shopping areas.
This review comes after a significant increase in noise complaints from people who live and work in the city. Officials recorded 28 formal complaints about loud street music in the first five months of 2024 alone, which was a higher number than in previous years.
The feedback will help the council decide if they need to set new noise limits or create specific areas where performers are allowed to play. They are looking closely at popular spots such as Cornmarket Street, Queen Street, and the area around Bonn Square.
In the past, groups like Keep Streets Live have raised concerns that strict rules could stop people from performing in public. The council says it wants to find a way to keep the city centre lively while making sure that loud music does not become a nuisance for local shops and residents.
The public can submit their views through the council website until the consultation ends in late March 2026. A final report on the findings and any potential changes to the rules is expected to be released in the summer of 2026.
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