Busking for Cancer: Brighton festival raises more funds for charity

Busking Cancer Brighton, a mini music festival running from Saturday 5 September to Saturday 12 September, is the latest push to raise much-needed funds for cancer charities, organised by Chris Taylor and friends Andy, Paul Budd, Matt Bassant and Holly.

“We’re hoping to the biggest donator,” said 27-year-old Taylor, who explained across the country, some people are literally busking on street corners, with cap on ground.

Instead Taylor and friends, have gone all out, organising a showcase that brings 42 different acts, including DJs and bands, across four different popular music venues,  including Audio, Gemini’s, Oxygen Red and Druids Arms.

“It was easy,” Taylor commented on pulling together so many people and places for the week-long event, which included another 24 DJs in one night. “Everybody is passionate about music.”

The group have been supported through the generosity of local businesses: they got their fliers printed for half price and had venues donated for free.

Over the past year, running under the name Together, the group have run six gigs, raising  5,ooo pounds and are hoping the festival, which is partnered with a national campaign www.buskingcancer.co.uk, will raise another 3-5ooo pounds.

Taylor explained that his involvement with cancer research stemmed from a flatmate’s mum, who had cancer, but fortunately recovered, and he decided to make it his new year’s resolution to help raise funds.

“I’m doing a half marathon next week, which might kill me,” Taylor said with nervous laughter. “You kinda get carried away with it, meeting people  - it’s fun. I’m permanently knackered though, but I enjoy it.”

Need further incentive to pop down?

“Rather than pay a tenner to go to Concorde 2, pay half and it all goes to charity,” urges Taylor.

BUSKING FOR CANCER – BRIGHTON (venues, acts & times)

Saturday 5th September – Afternoon. Gemini’s (from 1pm)
Two Spot Gobi, Rubylux, The Impellers, Koala Friday

Saturday 5th September – Evening. Oxygen Red (9pm-2am)
Together. 24 DJs playing b2b

Sunday 6th September – Evening. Audio(from 7pm)
Mean Poppa Lean, Kovak, Fake Bush

Monday 7th September – Evening. Audio (from 7pm)
Mozez, Charlie Rivers, Luke Toms

Friday 11th September – Evening. Druids Arms (from 8pm)
Pete York, Trashbat, Hand to Mouth

Saturday 12th September – Afternoon. Geminis (from 1pm)
FitsRoy, Carly Bryant, The Lanes, Mila Falls, The Die Vibes