Ennis buskers avoid axe-Factor

CALLS to hold X-Factor-style auditions for buskers and street performers in Ennis have been rejected by the local authority. Councillor Johnny Flynn, at this week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, had urged that the council draw up street entertainment bylaws for busking, along with providing designated street performance public spaces that could be booked by performers.

 

However, councillors voted against the proposal, which officials described as “not a priority”.
Councillor Flynn emphasised Ennis’ reputation as the home of traditional music saying it is important there is good-quality music on the county capital’s streets.

“We could have X-factor-type auditioning for this type of street entertainment. This is about trying to bring music and entertainment into our streets in a controlled way.”

He outlined the town’s recent visioning exercise of what Ennis should be in 2020 highlighted that people want more traditional music in the town. He stated the town’s young people in bands could get involved.
However, a number of councillors voiced their concerns about the need for bylaws, with Councillor Tommy Brennan stating, “I believe we are tying ourselves in knots with bylaws, we have enough of them. The amount of buskers we have in the town, we don’t need bylaws.”

Supporting Councillor Flynn, Councillor Mary Howard stated street entertainment is important in terms of the town’s bid for a Purple Flag.

Councillor Frankie Neylon said Ennis should not be looking at other places for ideas. “We should be front-running, not looking at others. The most positive move of the council in recent times was the new coach park, that will bring people in.”

Town manager Ger Dollard told the meeting that while he had no difficulty with the sentiment of the motion, it would need “significant resources” to move forward. He also expressed concern that introducing bylaws could lead to a loss of spontaneity.

“I don’t think there is any significant issue regarding busking in Ennis. If we had the time and resources, it would be great to do but it is not going to make it onto a works programme at this time,” he said.

Leonard Cleary, town clerk, informed the councillors that street entertainers and artists busking on the streets of Ennis are currently regulated in terms of public order and public safety regulations.

“In terms of economic and market conditions, they are self-regulated. The layout of the town centre with its medieval street design encompassing archways, bow ways and lanes presents a number of public performance spaces that have evolved over the years for use by various street entertainers and buskers. Many of these spaces have quality acoustics. These spaces are shared by artists at various times during the week. As such, there are currently no specific Ennis Town bylaws for busking or street entertainment,” he said.

He added that Ennis is currently seeking to increase awareness of all aspects of its marketing brand, including the presentation of Ennis as the home of Irish traditional music. This includes the theme for St Patrick’s Day 2013 – Ennis A Musical Town and the bid to host the 2014 All-Ireland Fleadh in Ennis.

“It is envisaged that busking, in particular, will be a key feature of these events,” he said. He also stated that on St Patrick’s Day 2012, Ennis Town Council in conjunction with the Arts Office, introduced a number of traditional music buskers to the Ennis streets and it is planned to build on this next year.

Next year’s Ennis Street Festival is also set to incorporate street performance spaces.

“The activity of busking in all musical forms, and indeed street entertainment, contributes to both the customer and visitor experience of Ennis. The introduction of bylaws to regulate the activity is not considered a priority item for the council to address. The matter will be kept under review in the context of the various festivals and other activities outlined,” he said.

A vote was taken, with two voting for the introduction of the bylaws, four against and two councillors absent.