Merseytravel busking permits now available

Application forms for busking permits on the Merseytravel network in Liverpool can now be downloaded by clicking on this link.

Note that they are only accepting applications from soloists and duos at the moment.

Great busking opportunity for Liverpool based performers

Buskers are invited to perform at the launch of the Pavillion at the Rotunda in Kirkdale, a new creative space in Liverpool. The launch will take place on Saturday 26th April at Rotunda L5. The event organisers expect high levels of attendance not only from the local community, but also international visitors and press. The launch will showcase a variety of artists, makers and performers from Liverpool's artistic community.

The organisers are especially interested in hearing from Liverpool-based performers who play their own original material. A small PA with a mic and single jack will be available on the day.

If you're interested in taking part, e-mail Beccy Williams at cuts.liverpool@yahoo.com or living_market@yahoo.co.uk with your contact details, a small description of what you do (up to 100 words) and preferably a link to a Myspace page or similar.

For more information about the event go to http://www.livingmarket.liverpool.googlepages.com/

Buskers wanted for Southport Open Golf festival

Buskers are invited to audition for the chance to perform in Southport this July while the Open Golf Championship is taking place. This will be a widely publicised event that will attract visitors from all over the world... and even the odd celeb!

Only buskers that are granted an official permit will be allowed to busk in Southport at this time. Contact Clare Chandler on clarechandler@googlemail.com to register your interest and arrange an audition.

Recording opportunity for London buskers

London buskers have the opportunity to be featured on a new album. The project has been set up by two Commercial Music graduates to record buskers in their natural environment, representing the experience of hearing an excellent performer purely by chance.

Recording is already underway, with the album featuring a very wide range of styles with a theme of interesting cover versions. The organisers hope to follow up this recording with some live shows and another album.

To get involved with the project and for a chance to be featured on the album, either e-mail buskerrhymes@gmail.com or get in touch via Myspace - www.myspace.com/buskerrhymes.

Summer busking scheme in Luton

Luton Borough Council are looking for buskers to take part in a busking scheme in Summer 2008. Every Saturday from May to September ths council will provide buskers with:

- a pagoda in St George's Square in Luton town centre to perform under, and
- at least one hour's performance slot.

If you plan on taking part in the scheme you will need to register to get your official permit and performance slot. To do this, either pop into the visitor information centre in the central library in St George's Square or telephone 01582 547 459.

Get your profile in the UK busker directory

Musicalbusker has launched a new directory of UK buskers. Showcasing street musicians of all varieties, each busker profile includes an mp3 clip, contact details or a link to an external site, busking locations and other essential information.

The directory aims to connect buskers with each other and the opportunities available to them.

View the directory here.

To be featured in the directory, e-mail a photo of yourself, your contact details, and mp3 clip of yourself performing (optional) and any extra information to admin@musicalbusker.co.uk.

Each month a new busker will be featured on musicalbusker.co.uk in the 'busker spotlight', with a link from the homepage. To apply to be featured in this, follow this link.

Busking competition in Brigg

Buskers are invited to take part in a small competition in Brigg on Saturday 17th May, as part of the Brigg Fiddle Fest. All acts must include a string instrument, preferably a fiddle.

First prize is £70 with a £30 second prize. Each act will receive 2 designated busking spots but are then free to find their own spot. Acts will also perform at the bandstand for 5 minutes at 1pm - the judges will choose mostly from this. There is a separate part of the competition for under 18s.

Competition entry costs £3, but buskers are allowed to keep any proceeds they make during the day.

For more info and to register as a competitor go to www.briggfiddlefest.org.uk.

New busking licence scheme for Liverpool - launch night

Merseytravel are launching a licensing scheme for busking, similar to that on the tube in London. Buskers will soon be auditioned for spots on the travel network - details of how to get an audition will soon be published on www.merseytravel.gov.uk.

Merseytravel and Radio City are holding a launch night for the scheme on Friday 11th February. Buskers are invited to audition to become Liverpool's 'Busk Idol 2008' at the Cavern Club. Prizes include the first busking permits, a Dawson's guitar worth £150 and £250 cash.

To enter, go to the Radio City website and fill in the online form.

Win a gig at Glastonbury - competition extended!

Born Hectic Events are extending their busking competition, for which the first prize is a gig at Glastonbury 2009, to cover 4 more locations. You can now enter in one of the following heats:

Bristol - Queen Square - Saturday 14th June
Penzance/Golowan - Bolitho Gdns. - Sunday 29th June
Plymouth - the Hoe - Saturday 2nd August
Polzeath - "The Big Cornish Day Out"at Carruan Farm - PL27 6QU - Monday 25th August

Runners up prizes include other gigs, recording sessions, photo shoots and airtime on local radio stations. Entry costs £5, all proceeds go to the Children's World Charity.

To enter e-mail shelly@bornhecticevents.co.uk.

The beginning of the end for busking in Manchester City Centre?

A samba band that regularly busks in Manchester City Centre has been told they may have to busk elsewhere, due to complaints about the noise level from local businesses and residents.
The band leader said the band relies on busking for business and suggested that 'we're facing the end of busking in the city centre, this is the first step'.

Read the full article here.

I doubt, and sincerely hope that this does not mark the beginning of the end for busking in Manchester, but it does show a move towards the growing trend at the moment for adopting a more stringent licensing scheme for busking. Plenty of schemes now restrict performers from playing too loudly or for too long, which is as much for the benefit of other buskers as for the general public. The Manchester samba band now plays for 3 hours at a time, which could be described as 'too long'.

In general I'm in favour of licensing schemes as they encourage considerate busking, as long as councils make sure that licences are easy to get hold of and are free.

New Busker Spotlight - Jake Sanson

This month's featured busker is Jake Sanson from Chester, who performs his
own songs on the streets of Chester, Colchester and Chelmsford. He busks
for fun, promotion and a bit of extra cash, and would advise other buskers
just to 'go for it, ignore unhelpful comments and lose yourself in the
music'.

To find out more and listen to Jake's latest song 'How we do it in the
Movies' click here.

If you're a busker and would like to be featured in the next Busker
Spotlight click here for more info.