Oxford busker sends letter to royal at Windsor Castle

Francisca Rigaud, 65, has been singing in public since the age of 58 but hit out at Oxford City Council for not allowing buskers to sing where they want in the “beautiful city centre”.

The former X-Factor contestant and semi-finalist on Holland’s Got Talent in 2018 said she felt there was “ill-feeling” towards buskers and called on the council to be more appreciative.

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Ms Rigaud, who will be singing Handel's Messiah in the Royal Albert Hall in November, said Oxford City Council needed to do more to encourage buskers.

She said: “There are only four or five places in the centre and you have to queue for a long time.

“The council doesn’t allow buskers to just organise themselves.

“It is such a beautiful city centre, but it is very restrictive.

“If only the council would be more welcoming and treat us as people of good will, as opposed to troublemakers”.

Ms Rigaud said busking was a way of helping people who are feeling lonely, as she regularly struck up conversation with members of the public who passed by.

Francisca with a member of the public. (Image: Francisca Rigaud)

She said: “A lot of people are lonely, so it is an opportunity to connect with people who walk by.

“When I busk near Cornmarket Street you often are told to move by wardens.

“Sometimes I get told I can’t busk on one side of the street”.

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Ms Rigaud can sing 62 songs in a variety of genres and speaks 10 languages.

She added: “We provide a very good service for the city as we do not charge anything other than the gifts people choose to leave.

“I think we should be cherished”.

Ms Rigaud said she received a warmer welcome at Windsor and has even asked King Charles for permission to sing near Windsor Castle when people are queuing to go inside.

She revealed: “I recently sent the first letter to King Charles.

“I’ll be sending one every month until I hopefully get an answer.”

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Ms Rigaud usually busks in Abingdon where she said buskers had more freedom to sing where they want.

She said: “I tried the Westgate shopping centre at Christmas because I thought it would be nice for someone to sing Christmas carols, but this was not allowed.

“Buskers are more welcomed in Abingdon."

An Oxford City Council spokesman said: "Oxford City Council welcomes busking and street entertainers, who for many years have been entertaining those who live, work and visit the city.

"They are an important part of the city’s atmosphere. We actively encourage them by not charging a licence fee and indicating a variety of busking spaces that provide lucrative spots for performers.

"The council has published a code of practice and a map of recommended pitches, available from our website, to facilitate busking and encourage performers to select a spot that most suits their act.

"The majority of those busking do not cause an issue and we would only intervene if we were to receive a complaint from, for example, a nearby shop or office."