May bank holiday will see Ilkley’s first Busking Festival

Ilkley Live has announced the launch of the town’s first Busking Festival on Saturday 3 May when the streets of Ilkley will be filled with live music and performances from morning till evening.

Busking is a free and unregulated activity, a wonderful opportunity for musicians of all ages and genres to showcase their talents and develop their skills.

The Ilkley Busking Festival aims to encourage a new era of live music in and around Ilkley and five locations around the town have been designated as busking spots: the railway station, Riverside Gardens, Grove Park (near Martinez Wines), outside Go Outdoors and by Avanti Coffee Shop.

Anyone is welcome to come along and perform on 3 May, they simply have to sign up and book a 30-minute slot at one of the nominated spots by going online at buskingfestival.ilkleylive.com.

The festival buskers will be playing for free but have the option to collect voluntary money from passers-by if they wish.

Organizers say:

“The people around Ilkley can look forward to a day full of live music and entertainment - created by the community for the community, to share some busking joy and appreciate a unique blend of musical talent and performances.

“Busking in Ilkley after the festival will not require sign-up and will return to its unregulated state, but we hope that the festival will kick-start busking in the town for all to enjoy.”

More information about busking in Ilkley and elsewhere can be found on the City of Bradford website www.bradford.gov.uk/arts-and-culture/culture/busking-guidance.