Big Busk raises nearly £10,000 for Shrewsbury Ark

The total surpasses the £6,100 raised at last year’s event – despite last year’s being held over two days. All the money raised will go to Shrewsbury Ark, a centre for homeless and vulnerable people in the town.

This year’s total was boosted by two marathon efforts by musicians who played for more than 24-hours non-stop.

Guitar Cubed – teenagers Louis Briggs and Tom Barras – raised an amazing £4,000 when they set a new record for the world’s longest busk by playing for more than 25 hours straight.

And singer/songwriter Paul Henshaw raised more than £1,200 by playing 24 gigs in 24 hours.

The Big Busk – now in its fourth year – raises money for, and awareness of, Shrewsbury Ark. The event is held in memory of talented musician an artist Ben Bebbington, who died after an unprovoked attack in September 2012. The Ark played an important part in Ben’s life.

Ben’s sister Karen Higgins, one of the organisers of The Big Busk, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have raised so much money for such a wonderful and important cause.

“The only reason we are able to put the event on – and to raise so much money – is because of the talent, time, effort and love of all of those musicians and other volunteers who support us.

“The Big Busk has a very small budget and everyone involved – from the small organising team to each and every one of the musicians and artists and all of our wonderful volunteers, gives their time for free. We are incredibly grateful to them all.

“Everyone involved has played their part in reaching this fantastic total, but I would particularly like to thank Guitar Cubed and Paul Henshaw for their efforts this year and for truly going above and beyond to help raise money for the Ark.”

Karen confirmed that the Big Busk would return in 2017 for its fifth year, with a date to be confirmed later in the year.