Big Busk wows the crowds in Shrewsbury - with video

The festival, which was launched in memory of local busker Ben Bebbington – who would have been 50 this year, saw 150 acts wow crowds across the town.

The community turned out in force to honour him, six years after the talented musician and artist was killed in an unprovoked attack in the town.

A beautiful, if not slightly chilly Saturday, featured acts aged from eight to 80 play to thrilled audiences, who lapped up the electric atmosphere.

And adding a splash of colour to proceedings were belly dancers, Morris dancers, and even a medieval re-enactment society, who marched through town with their swords and shields as they would have done in the 11th century.

Eight-year-old Jet Pariera-Jenks was the youngest musician, melting hearts with her recorder playing near the Market Hall, and 80-year-old Mo Roberts played piano at the same venue.

Another youngster who impressed was Nathan Higgins, nephew of Mr Bebbington, who played Ed Sheeran’s Castle on the Hill in his set.

The Severn Sisters belly dancers appeared to have the Pride Hill Shopping Centre entranced with their flowing moves, and one of the many highlights was the Got 2 Sing choir, who had almost the entire Square arm-in-arm singing along to a rendition of The Beatles classic Let It Be.

Tribute

Possibly the most poignant moment of the day was when Mr Bebbington’s childhood pal Eddy Stewart performed a tribute piece at the end of the day which he had written called Blurry Membered Hills.

Mr Stewart, 49, from Castlefields, said: “I taught Ben how to play the guitar when we were teenagers. I taught him three chords and within three days he came back to me having written half a dozen songs. He was the talent. He was my oldest friend.

“The song is about stuff we used to do. Going up Pontesford Hill as lads, going up the Wrekin and getting arrested.” It also goes on to talk about how the pair began to go their separate ways after Glastonbury festival one year.

Eddy added: “This festival is great, he would love it. For something so good to come out of something so tragic, it just goes to show the community spirit in Shrewsbury.”

Several of Mr Bebbington’s family members turned out, including his mother Tricia Nicholson, who was overwhelmed by the occasion. She said: “It’s lovely, but I feel happy and sad. The pain doesn’t go away.”

She added: “If he’s up there, he’ll be looking down and thinking it’s a great party. He always wanted people to play music.”

Wonderful

His sister Karen Higgins, who has played a major part in organising each Big Busk festival, said: “We’ve had dancers, singers, buskers and choirs performing and it was for a charity, Shrewsbury Ark, which meant a huge amount to Ben. It has been a wonderful celebration.

“I know if Ben was here today, he would be utterly blown away by the support. He never knew just quite how well thought of he was.

“It feels like it’s been bigger this year than ever before. I don’t know if that’s because of the weather, but it feels like it’s been the best ever.

“This has been made by the community. Whether it’s people who’ve just come along and clapped and cheered or those who’ve given up their time and talent.”

Proceeds will be going to Shrewsbury Ark, and organisers should have a rough idea how much has been raised by the middle of next week.