Town filled with music in memory of Ben for Shrewsbury Big Busk
After a break of a year, the Big Busk is back - and bigger than ever.
Acts from across the region have descended on Shrewsbury town centre today (SAT) to take part in the event and all are playing for free.
The Big Busk was set up by the family of keen musician, artist and poet Ben Bebbington who was killed following an unprovoked attack in 2012.
The first Big Busk took place the following year and since then its popularity has grown and grown.
Now more than 100 acts will be taking to the streets, striking up their instruments and raising money for a cause close to Ben's heart - Shrewsbury's Ark, which helps the vulnerable and homeless in the town.
This year's event is being held on what would have been Ben's 50th birthday.
Known as a busker within the town, he would often visit the Ark with his guitar, and stage an impromptu ‘jam’.
Karen Paterson, who organises the schedule for The Big Busk, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support for the event after a year away. There is always some nervousness that people have forgotten about you and moved on, but the response we have had has been absolutely incredible.
“Scheduling 100 acts is something of a challenge, but what a lovely problem to have.”
The music will fill the town during all of today at a number of locations including Fish Street, The Square, Roushill and Pride Hill and for the first time, the festival will take over the Frankwell area of Shrewsbury in to the evening. Music begins at 7pm in five venues - The Wheatsheaf, The Boathouse, The Pourhouse, ye Old Buck's Head Inn and In Good Hands.
The last Big Busk, in 2017, raised more than £8,500.
