Presenting the Big Busk 2020

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.