London Underground busking auditions begin again

Auditions for busking on the London Underground (LU) have begun after a two-year gap.

LU will audition musicians every Thursday and Friday from 27 May to 2 July for a number of limited busking licences.

Over 700 people applied to get one of 38 designated pitches across 25 stations where musicians can perform to potentially thousands of commuters.

They will be judged by LU staff, industry executives and music scouts.

LU said that it hoped the process would uncover gifted musicians.

Its judging panel will rate performers on presentation, musical ability, repertoire and originality.

The 38 pitches, which LU likened to "mini-stages", will be highly coveted as about 3.5 million passengers travel on the Tube network every weekday.

Richard Parry, director of LU, said: "The licensed busking scheme has been a great success with both passengers and buskers alike and offers musicians a great environment in which to busk while also entertaining our customers as they travel on the Tube.

"It is a real opportunity for musicians to showcase their talent."

Successful applicants will be awarded their licence after all the auditions have taken place.