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BUSKERS in London will be the first in the world to take contactless card payments, the Mayor's office announced today.
Busk in London, a Mayor of London initiative, has partnered with a technology company to hand performers card readers that allow them to set a fixed amount of money to be donated by passers-by.
The trial scheme will allow street musicians across the capital to accept payments via cash, contactless cards, wearable technology and chip and pin.
Launching the scheme, Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “For London to maintain its status as a global capital of music, it’s vitally important that we support the stars of tomorrow.
“Busking helps emerging artists to hone their talent and gives them the chance to perform in front of huge numbers of people.”
Charlotte Campbell, a full-time busker in London, has been trialling the project.
She said: “I believe if street performers like myself don’t adapt to the cashless society we are edging towards, we’re at risk of becoming a dying art.”