Since May, two busy sites in Petit Champlain, the tourist hotspot of Quebec’s capital city, have only allowed buskers to sing in French or play instrumental, CBC reports.

A spokesperson for the city said the move was intended to “underline the 40th anniversary of Quebec’s inclusion on the world heritage cities list”.

Busker Birdie Veilleux said the ban affects “the last remaining spot where you could get proper crowds and proper pay”.

“I’d prefer to be able to sing in any language we want,” American busker Bosko Baker added.

Mr Veilleux added: “I am a separatist, but I still think this rule is ridiculous.”