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14th August 2020 Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy presents: The Big Busk 2020 News Big Busk 2020 is Cancelled Due to the latest Government restrictions on social gatherings, we have taken the decision to cancel the Big Busk on Saturday 26 September which was happening at Camden Market in London and Republic Bier Halle in Glasgow. We’re sorry to everyone who was looking forward to coming down, signed up to busk and to the people who had helped put on this event, however we have taken this decision in light of the latest Government guidance about social distancing. Your health and well-being is our number one priority. Thanks to Camden Market, Republic Bier Halle and our sponsor, Guitar Guitar for helping us get to where we are – we will work with them to try and rearrange a date for later in the year or for 2021. As a charity we receive no Government funding and rely on events like these to help us to continue our music therapy work. There are still so many ways you can support us during this time, whether it’s signing up to our newsletter, donating or telling people about our work, it is all hugely important to us – thank you. What is The Big Busk? The Big Busk is a day of live outdoor music by buskers and unsigned musicians performing for charity. Whilst helping raise vital money for Nordoff Robbins, it also gives the musicians the platform to perform in two locations across the UK. London’s location is Camden Market, with four different busker spots through the day, whilst Glasgow’s location is Republic Bier Halle, Gordon Street, with one busking spot. Apply to busk Music connects us all During the pandemic, music was everywhere to be heard across the globe. Music connected family and friends digitally, people sang from their balconies, there were countless zoom choirs, new instruments were learnt, virtual concerts and festivals reached living rooms…we were united together through music. This year has proved that making music matters to everyone, now more than ever. Whilst we still can’t go to our favourite concerts and are still working out our ‘new normal’, we have launched The Big Busk for a second year to bring grassroots music back into our communities and to help people connect again through making music on the streets. Sandy Trappitt, Head of Partnerships says, ‘After a successful launch of the Big Busk at the O2 last year, we are delighted to be bringing it back this September. Last year was full of amazing talent and I’m really excited to work with a new range of diverse talent from our partners and unsigned artists, giving them the opportunity to perform and put music back on our streets.’ The Big Busk wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors and partners. These include Guitar Guitar, which is the UK’s largest guitar retailer and NME magazine. Calling all buskers and unsigned musicians From Tuesday 18 August, we are calling out to all buskers and unsigned musicians who want to be part of The Big Busk, get back performing on the streets and help raise money for charity. Whatever your genre, we want the Big Busk to show the musical diversity that the UK has to offer. So, whether it’s country, indie, jazz, folk, rock, rap, spoken word, or something brand new, we want to hear you. Applications for busking spots will open on Tuesday 18 August Last year’s busker Shaan Kambli (Kalmly) shared his experience with us, ‘Being introduced to Nordoff Robbins and their work within the field of music therapy has further encouraged a strong drive to create positive impact with my music.’ Why Nordoff Robbins? At Nordoff Robbins, we see the benefits of making music every day. We use music therapy to enrich the lives of people affected by life limiting illness, isolation or disability. Making music can unlock memories, help to communicate where words have failed, to socially connect with family and friends, and to build confidence and self-esteem. Bevin’s story At Nordoff Robbins we’re committed to working with the more vulnerable members of our communities who could benefit the most from our music therapy. That’s why we work in a variety of settings including prisons and secure psychiatric hospitals. See Bevin’s story Zachary’s story A cancer diagnosis is tough at any age but for young children undergoing treatment can be an especially grueling and sometimes frightening experience that leaves them spending lengthy spells in hospital unable to enjoy usual childhood activities. See Zachary’s story Friday Music Therapy group’s story Barking & Dagenham Memory Service has been working with music therapist John Wallis since 2016. The Covid-19 pandemic lead to the suspension of the much-loved Friday Music Therapy group at Broad Street Health Centre, so the group has moved online. See Friday Music Therapy group’s story See more stories More News MITs Award 2022: Jamal Edwards MBE to be honoured Jamal Edwards MBE is to be honoured with this year’s prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS), in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the music industry as a music entrepreneur, DJ and founder of the multifaceted music platform SB.TV. Find out more Announcing our 2022 Summer School for Music Therapists Music therapists from around the world are invited to join us for four days of sharing work and views, and input into the practice and thinking of the Nordoff Robbins approach. The course will be held online 18th – 21st July 2022. Find out more