Whilst in Accrington this afternoon, a sunny but blustery autumnal day was much brightened by the quality of the busker who was pitched with his acoustic guitar and an amp, in the spot normally reserved for the Biggy Shoe sellers.
I remembered reading that the quality of those who busk here was going to come under some sort of quality control. (Here it is...)
Bad buskers could be singing the blues in Hyndburn (From Lancashire Telegraph)
Whoever the guy was this afternoon, he was excellent. It wasn't just ourselves who thought so. I heard four other people remark on how good a performer he was. It wasn't so loud that your ear drums might be in danger of bursting, but the volume was enough to be clearly heard on the whole of Broadway. and at the back of the outside market.
So thank you for brightening the day of all the people who heard you, Mr. Mystery busker. I'm glad people seemed to be throwing lots of cash in your pot. I really hope it was worth your while coming here. Your visit certainly cheered, and impressed the townsfolk I saw. I wish you every success, and hope your undoubted talents are widely appreciated.
Well done H.B.C. Your plan seems to be working. Really made a trip to town pleasurable. Hat's off to Cllr. Clare Pritchard. Praise where it's due.
Ok positive critique over. Just the teeniest complaint...about benches.
I was lucky, and fortunate enough to park my bum on one this afternoon, on the few benches currently are on Broadway, but only because they're the worst public seating ever designed, despite being part of a near million quid cost to the tax payer, as they were all pish wet through.
Wide, solid slabs, of perfectly horizontal polished stone, and Lancashire weather don't really mix well.
Other people, mainly elderly, came to sit next to me, enjoying the sun and the music from the busker, until they saw I was sat in my own puddle.
A puddle they hopefully knew came via the studio of one clueless designer, and not from my bladder.
A few tried wiping them with their hankies, to no avail. They were literally sopping wet, despite the fact that it had last rained over two hours previously.
The one remaining wooden bench on Blackburn road, near the mini-roundabout, similar to the experimentally removed ones from outside the Market Hall, was nice and dry.
Overall verdict?
Big success.
Thank you.
Though it would have been even better...if I hadn't come back from Accy with nappy rash!
