Church service called off after amplified music drowns out reading and rector says situation is at ‘crisis point’

A beloved and historic west country tradition – choral evensong at Bath abbey – was called off after raucous buskers playing in the square outside drowned out the sound of the bible reading.

The 200-strong congregation at the abbey was told that the service could not continue and filed out as buskers entertaining crowds in front of the church belted out amplified music.

Clergy at the abbey said two boys had learned solo parts but did not get the chance to sing them. They claimed the issue of entertainment in the square outside the abbey was reaching “crisis point” and accused the local council of doing nothing to solve the issue.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Buskers playing outside Bath abbey

Buskers in the city are supposed to undergo an audition to check they are good enough, and meet daily to arrange pitches and a running order. But there are also “rogue” buskers who turn up and play.

Writing in the Western Daily Press, the abbey rector, the Rev Prebendary Edward Mason said: “On Sunday afternoon, worship at Bath Abbey for close to 200 people was stopped. The loud music from the buskers started just after our 3.30pm choral evensong service began and was clearly audible during the bible reading. It was impossible to continue.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Singer-songwriter Jack Morgan, who was playing when the abbey halted its service

“Hundreds, even thousands in Bath, have their peace, prayer and remembrance blighted by buskers on a daily basis. This wasn’t a one-off or an isolated incident. Over the last two to three years, we have really tried. We have met with the buskers often, mostly at their meeting every day. We know many by name and have tried to build relationships based on trust.”

The abbey has established a “traffic light” system that shows the buskers when a service is taking place – red for a service and green when noise is less important for visitors and worshippers.

Mason said the majority respected the system but a “very loud and unreasonable minority” ruined it for everyone. Over the past couple of years, amplifiers are used more and more, the volume has increased and we are now at crisis point,” he said.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Rev Prebendary Edward Mason on why he is so upset about buskers in Bath

“We have suffered long enough, at times it’s impossible for us to continue to work. We have had weddings and funerals disrupted and choir practices and services ruined on numerous occasions.

“This isn’t Bath abbey against the buskers, in fact, I love buskers and busking, in the right context and the right volume. This is a problem for the whole city.

“How do I feel? I feel like weeping. Truly. Weeping for a city ruined by the clamour of music. Weeping for choirs that are victims. Weeping for my staff subjected to music every day. Weeping that we human beings just cannot resolve conflict.”