A Cricklewood band will be busking in France today to launch an annual music contest by the Mayor of London.
The King’s Parade will be showcasing their talents to Parisians to promote Boris Johnson’s #BackBusking competition which they won last year.
The band joined Mr Johnson at St Pancras International Station Cross this morning where they played a selection of songs at the launch before boarding a Eurostar train to Paris.
Any London-based musicians aged 11-25, of all genres, are welcome to enter the contest with the shortlisted acts taking part in live performances at busking pitches across the city including St Paul’s Cathedral, Westfield in Shepherd’s Bush and major rail and Tube stations.
Expert industry judges and the public will vote for the best acts which will battle it out in a final to be held on September 7.
Mr Johnson said: “In the music capital of the world, one of my biggest passions is supporting talented youngsters, through our education programmes and through Gigs. Attracting thousands of entries, Gigs is giving young musicians the opportunity to hone their skills in front of live audiences, with many going onto forge careers in the music industry.
“As the King’s Parade bring l’entente musicale to Paris, I urge other young Londoners to come forward to help make our city’s streets come alive with the sound of music.”
The winning prizes include a year’s London Underground busking licence, recording sessions at a top professional studio, a performance training package from The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in Kilburn, and the opportunity to busk in Paris sponsored by Eurostar.
The King’s Parade said: “It was a great experience being part of Gigs Big Busk last year and we were thrilled to receive the Eurostar award as a part of it.
“Gigs has allowed us to perform on stages at the 02 arena, at various busking spots around central London and most of all has always supported our freedom to perform our original music around London’s iconic places.
“Busking is part of our freedom to express ourselves through music and the Mayor’s plan to make London the busking capital of the world and keep our streets alive should be an inspiration to all cities.”
For more information visit www.gigsbigbusk.com.
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