Music takes over Shrewsbury's streets for The Big Busk 2017

The town's fifth annual free street music festival saw more than 100 acts perform throughout the day, continuing on in the pubs into the early hours, with thousands joining in and enjoying the diverse sounds on offer.

The performances ranged from soloists to choirs, morris dancers to belly dancers, to drums and impressive ukuleles, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Despite a mixed bag with the weather, any rain did little to dampen everyone's spirits, with crowds joyfully joining in and singing along to all the words they knew.

The highlight of the day for many was 'The Big Sing' in the Square, which was moved from Pride Hill so that even more people could join in with the huge sing-a-long.

The Big Sing was led by Geoff Rogers, who sang the Bob Dylan classic 'Blowing in the Wind', before Chris Allen gave a crowd pleasing version of James' 'Sit Down, joined by the Got 2 Sing choir, whom most of which - along with the crowd - ended up sitting down on the floor under strict but humorous instruction from Chris.

The day-long festival takes place in memory of talented musician, poet and artist Ben Bebbington, who was killed in 2012 in an unprovoked attack.

It is also held to raise awareness and funds for The Shrewsbury Ark, a homeless charity which supported Ben, who was 43 when he died

Ben's sister Karen Higgins, one of the event’s founders, said: "It's been an absolutely incredible day, the atmosphere in the town has been electric. I can't believe this year is the fifth year the Big Busk has taken place.

"Each year it gets better and better and for that credit must go to the fantastic acts, the superb venues for allowing us to use their space, the band of volunteers, and of course the people of Shrewsbury and Shropshire itself.

"Nothing will ever take away the pain and hurt caused by Ben's death but it's wonderful that something so positive has come out of something so awful, and it shows just how loved Ben was, and what a special person he was to everyone.

"It's always good to see those who Ben busked with, as well as those who were taught to play the guitar by him. The Big Busk just shows how many people Ben was loved by."

Ben's mother Tricia Nicholson said it had been a "wonderful day".

She said: "It's been another really special day, seeing so many people out and enjoying the day for Ben means so much.

"It's also been great to bump into some of Ben's friends, including his former bandmates from his first band Sullen Cross, who he joined when he was 16. It's been nice to see old faces like that."

One of the musicians who performed at the event, Neville Street of band Goodbye Ohio, praised the community for turning out and supporting it.

He said: "The Big Busk is such a special event to everyone here, you can see that by how many people sing along and get involved, it's just amazing.

"It has to be said how fantastic the town of Shrewsbury is for coming together the way it does, and I think it goes much further than Shrewsbury now, the Big Busk is now recognised further afield and I think that's just amazing."

Last year's event raised nearly £10,000 for the Ark.

This year’s Busk saw performers also take over the town's shopping centres to keep people dry and provide them with shelter while the rain poured.