Big Busk returning to Shrewsbury after a year’s break

The Big Busk will take place in and around Shrewsbury town centre on April 6, the day talented musician and poet Ben Bebbington would have turned 50.

The Busk was first held in 2013 in memory of Ben, who died after an unprovoked attack by two men in September 2012.

The event raises money for, and awareness of, Shrewsbury Ark, a centre for vulnerable and homeless people in Shrewsbury which meant a lot to Ben.

In 2017 the Busk raised more than £8,500, but organisers took a break this year to manage some of the challenges which arise from the Big Busk getting bigger each year.

But planning is now under way for next year’s event.

Karen Higgins, Ben’s sister and one of the founders of The Big Busk, said: “We said when we announced in 2017 that we were taking a break that it would only be for one year and we are very excited to be bringing The Big Busk back to Shrewsbury in 2019.

“It is especially poignant that the event should fall on the very day that Ben would have turned 50 and we will making sure that there is a real party atmosphere that Ben would have been very proud of.

“We are in the very early stages of planning, but our basic philosophy will remain the same – you will be able to experience many styles of music all day and everything will be free – we only ask that people donate whatever they can afford to support the fantastic work that Shrewsbury Ark does for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“Everybody who makes this wonderful day possible – from the musicians to the volunteers in the lead up and on the day – gifts their time and talent to ensure all proceeds go to the Ark and I can’t thank them enough.”