Wandsworth young musicians encouraged to enter busking competition
Young musicians from Wandsworth are being encouraged to enter a busking competition.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is encouraging Wandsworth’s best young musicians to apply for street music competition Gigs.
Gigs is the largest street music competition in the UK and provides young artists with the opportunity to perform at iconic locations around the city.
Entries for the competition are currently open, and categories include youth for 11-15 years old and up to eight members, soloists/duos for 16-25 years old and an open category for over 11 year olds.
Kate Jones, Busk in London Programme Director, said: “London is a global capital of music and home to many of the world’s greatest artists and performers. In order for London to maintain its status music powerhouse, it’s vitally important that we support the stars of tomorrow.
“Gigs helps emerging artists hone their talent, opens up amazing opportunities to perform in unique spaces and is a chance to gain access to and advice from industry leaders. We’re calling on the young musicians of Wandsworth to enter this year’s Gigs competition and have the chance to be heard by thousands of Londoners and visitors to the capital!”
This year’s prizes include an Epiphone Acoustic guitar for the top three acts, busking equipment from Roland, a busking trip to Amsterdam, career mentoring at The Hub (Institute of Contemporary Music Performance) and recording time at a professional studio to produce a single. The most promising finalist will win a Gibson HP Acoustic guitar.
Many musicians who participate go on to secure paid performance opportunities, access to private-land busking schemes with earning potential and access to the industry.
All acts will be seen by the judges during the live performance period. They will choose their top acts to reach the Grand Final, held on Sunday, September 2 at Westfield London.
Through the online voting system, the public also get to choose their favourite acts to go through the Grand Final.
The deadline for entries is 23:59 on Sunday, June 10. Budding buskers can enter Gigs via the online entry form at www.london.gov.uk/gigs or www.buskinlondon.com/gigs.
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