Londoners Magazine

Covent Garden’s musicians may be driven away by changes Covent Garden London want to introduce to the area, it emerged today, including quiet breaks between performances.

The singers and instrumentalists who perform in the West End market’s famous piazza are facing restrictions after the landlord halved the amount of time they are allowed to perform from two hours to one.

Some of the musicians fear the new rules will deprive the area of its artistic atmosphere, as well as reducing the money they make from donations.

It is feared that the changes will drive musicians away as they will be financially unable to continue playing in the piazza.

A group of performers, including six string quartets and 15 singers, have launched a petition to prevent the changes, which was signed by 700 people within 36 hours.

The market, which was designed in 1632, attracts 30 million tourists a year. It is well known for its daily spectacle of musicians, jugglers, mime artists and variety acts.

The area is regarded as one of London’s entertainment centres.