Bosses of Shrewsbury's Big Busk in plea for volunteers

Organisers of a street music festival held in memory of a man who died following an unprovoked attack have appealed for volunteers.

There are already 40 different acts signed up for the Big Busk in Shrewsbury, which will take place over the Easter Weekend with events lined up for April 4 and 5.

But organisers are keen to hear from any other groups or individuals who would like to take part – as well as anyone who can lend a hand co-ordinating events or collecting money.

The Big Busk was first held in 2013 and featured 150 individuals from 40 different acts.

It proved so popular that last year 300 people from 70 different acts took part.

And this year the Big Busk has grown again and will be held, for the first time, over two days.

Dan Williams from Bridgnorth playing on Butcher Row

The original Big Busk was organised by the family of talented Shrewsbury musician, poet and artist Ben Bebbington, who died after an unprovoked attack in September 2012.

Ben's sister Karen Higgins said the event sees a wide range of music performed at venues across the town.

She added: "The two events we have held so far have featured musicians playing every kind of music you can imagine.

"There is some incredible talent out there and we are so grateful that so many acts give their time for free to support our cause.

"After the first year we were amazed how many acts immediately said they wanted to do it again the following year – and also by how many more signed up for the second event.

"This year we are running the Busk over two days so we would love to hear from anyone who is interested in taking part."

Melissa Severn playing outside Ashley's Wine Bar

And as well as the musicians, it is the army of volunteers who help make the Big Busk such a success. A team of around 40 people give up anything from a couple of hours to the whole day to help support the event, which raises money for, and awareness of, Shrewsbury Ark, a drop-in centre for homeless and vulnerable people in Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, which helped Ben during his life.

Karen added: "The volunteers and the musicians are all brilliant. In fact, I still can't quite comprehend that so many people just gift their time and talent in this way."

Anyone interested in volunteering at this year's event should e-mail Karen via bigbusk@shrewsburyark.co.uk