Busking around the world

It probably is possible. A quick Google produces busking festivals in Christchurch (NZ), Ottawa, Auckland, Victoria, San Diego and Halifax (the one in Canada that blew up in 1917 when a munitions ship hit another ship, not the one in the north of England) and St Kilda.
St Kilda? Go to the Outer Hebrides, admire the black houses, then turn north from Benbecula across the ocean. Yes, (right) it's that far away.
This week, however, it's Hereford's streets that are bristling with music here with the Jackhammer Blues Band and Toby Parker.  

More music at Three Choirs Plus

Busking not begging

Ed Pullin and his mate

Like Derby city, Hereford is indulging in a bit of a busk-fest. Derby is in its second summer season so it must have been a success.

Rhian and Mutty

Hereford has allocated two pitches, 

High Town and Church Street: seems to be going down well with passers-by.

Three Choirs Festival

Hereford Cathedral in the 1930s

Three Choirs Festival and this year it’s Hereford’s turn to host (an honour shared with Gloucester and Worcester).

The streets are alive with buskers, the highly efficient Mel having emailed everyone an Excel document with names, times and helpful advice: “If your replacement doesn’t show up, keep playing.”)

The Jackhammer blues band did two strong sets over the weekend, so I hear from one passer by. And there’s plenty to look forward to from Pixies and Skittles, the Turnbull Quartet and MJM (?) to that stalwart on the local busking scene Toby Parker. 

Must remember my backing tracks. I forgot them yesterday in Ludlow. Stood there, sax in hand, trying to recall a tune and just gave up in the end. Memory plays strange tricks, especially where music’s concerned.