Buskers Joined By Stars For Charity

Chart-topping Scottish singer Sandi Thom is among a group of performers supporting what is expected to be Britain’s biggest busking – or street performing – event.

A variety of musicians and street performers will take part in a nationwide busking event next month in aid of cancer research. Busking Cancer will run from September 6-13, and all money raised will go to Cancer Research UK. Thom – who hit the charts in 2006 with I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker and has just released her second album, The Pink And The Lily – will be joined by a Johnny Cash tribute act from Glasgow, an all-girls school in London, a man who plays the shawn – a medieval instrument that sounds like the bagpipes, a Fleetwood folk club, a circus performer, a little boy from Milton Keynes who recently lost both his great grandparents to cancer, and Suggs – lead singer for British ska band Madness.

“Playing music is such a joyful thing and it’s the soundtrack to all of our lives,” said Suggs, whose hits include Our House, It Must Be Love, and House of Fun. “I’m lucky enough to make my living from it but many people just play for the sheer fun of it. That’s the joy of busking – you can just stand up and sing or play anywhere. People love to stop and listen. And to do it in aid of Cancer Research UK – to help anyone whose life has been touched by cancer – is just fantastic. I’d urge everyone to get out on the streets of Britain from September 6 to 13 and have one big party. Have some fun – and raise some money that might just help save someone’s life.”

Sandi Thom is equally excited to be involved.

“Busking Cancer is fun, young and positive,” said the 26-year-old, whose latest hit is The Devil’s Beat.

The busking events will run all across Britain for a week.