Permit-holding busker told to leave Surrey plaza, but he’ll still sing songs
Published 3:30 pm Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Surrey’s new Music Busker Program hit a sour note on launch day for one local musician.
Danilo Carrasco set up to play guitar and sing at Central City Shopping Centre’s plaza for two hours on Sunday, June 28, but after two songs security told him that he couldn’t perform there.
A Surrey resident, Carrasco applied for a permit from city hall and had pre-arranged a time slot to perform that day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“There was a big sign on the ground that showed where the performer should be,” Carrasco said. “I had the permit and showed them that and also the sign on the ground, but the security person said they didn’t know about it. I guess the mall admin didn’t relay the message to the security staff. I didn’t want to argue because they’re just doing their job, so I left.”
Carrasco said he was disappointed but not deterred to remain part of the busking program, launched this summer at four sites in Surrey City Centre.
“The city told me that they’re doing their best so that what happened to me doesn’t happen to other buskers,” the musician added.
The program website (on surrey.ca) shows a list of musicians, performance times and locations at Surrey Civic Plaza, Central City mall plaza and two sites at Holland Park, June to September.
In addition to Carrasco, other musicians signed up are Rob Johnson, Omer Gaudet, Argel MDR and Monsoon Vibes.
Approved buskers aren’t paid by the city, they perform for donations from passersby.
The program, part of the Surrey Music Strategy, “helps support local artists and grow Surrey’s music scene,” says a post on the program website.
“As of today we’ve had 41 applications from local musicians who want to take part,” Ryan Gallagher, Surrey’s director of cultural services, said June 10. “They get vetted and then can pick time slots and locations where they want to perform as a busker, based on their own personal preference.”
The program could expand to other areas of Surrey next year, if all goes well.
“We’ll keep a close eye on how things are going and the response the program gets,” Gallagher said. “We’re open to feedback from the musicians themselves as well.”
Would-be buskers must be at least 16 years old and complete a police information check (cost reimbursed by the city), among other rules. Permits are valid between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday to Sunday.
Why apply?
“Earn donations, help shape a vibrant downtown, be promoted on the City of Surrey’s channels,” the website says.
The first 20 approved performers receive a $50 gift card.
Musicians are urged to “keep it pleasant,” because “loud or repetitive performances” can disrupt residents and businesses. “Please be mindful of your surroundings and adjust your volume or move locations if asked,” the city’s website says. “Noise must not exceed 75 decibels and should not disturb the peace, comfort, or convenience of others.”
Busking spots are first-come, first-served through an online calendar, and group size is limited to three performers.