Local musicians will busk for 24 hours starting on St Patrick’s Day to raise money for the homeless charity First Housing Aid and Support Services.

The 24 hour Busk for Homeless will be based at Guildhall Square and will see over 100 acts to part from 6pm on March 17.

The line-up  includes well known musicians such as ROE, Paddy Nash and Polar Bolero as well as Cora Harkin and PORTS.

PORTS are a four-piece band from Northern Ireland, consisting of Steven McCool (Bass and Vocals), Mark O’Doherty (Drums), Ryan Griffiths (Guitar) and Conor Mason (Piano). Taking to the stage on Friday night at 10pm, the band will play an acoustic set of their well-known songs.

Talking ahead of the event, vocalist Steven said they were delighted to take part in the event and be a part of this fundraiser to help those in need across the North West.

“We’re really looking forward to playing the mayor’s 24-Hour Busk in aid of First Housing Aid and Support Services. We believe that everyone has the right to support and a safe roof over their head, no matter their life circumstances.”

Comedians Digger Brown, Peter Davidson and Claire Corrigan will also take to the stage on Friday night to inject some light-hearted humour into the event. Hot House Alumni and local choirs and community groups will be getting involved in the busk on Saturday afternoon.

One such community group is the amazing Tuned In Collective Choir, who will perform from 2:20pm until 3:20pm on Saturday. The Tuned In Collective Choir is a part of the Tuned In Project – an innovative and inspiring community based project facilitating young adults with learning disabilities.
The Mayor’s Busk is only the start of a busy calendar of events for this local choir, with excitement building as they prepare their set list of old and new songs.

“We’re to take part in this fantastic event,” said Margarette McNamee, Director of the Choir. “We try to empower our students through the creative arts and we’re really passionate about inclusiveness – we can do anything we put our minds to, despite our challenges.

“We have a brilliant set of old and new songs to sing at the Busk, including a few sea shanties. We love to play music that means something, which like everything else, is a collective choice. From our uniforms to our songs, everything is chosen together as a group.”

As well as the Tuned In Collective Choir, Voices of the Foyle Choir will treat passers-by to a list of contemporary Irish and Folk fusion tunes, with some well-known pop covers. Ruth McPhillips is a local singer and Musical Director behind not only the Voices of the Foyle, but two other acts who will busk on the day as well.

The Ringabellas Swing Trio, an all-female trio singing 40s & 50’s hits and some unique arrangements of more modern songs, as well as Music & Me Sensory Sessions. Music & Me Sensory Sessions is a baby & toddler multi-sensory group that meets every week in local community groups to support families to engage with their children in a fun and safe environment. The toddlers have been working hard in preparation for their first big event, despite all being under three years of age.

To donate, please visit: https://bit.ly/3VrcVM1

For more information, please visit www.derrystrabane.com/24hrbusk