Big Busk strums its way to Cork
The Big Busk is coming back to Leeside with two locations selected to help homeless charity Focus Ireland once again.
Now in its fourth year, Focus Ireland is partnering with Today FM for The Big Busk which aims to tackle the rising homelessness crisis through the power of music and performance on 7 March. Participants can join The Big Busk in Cork’s Marina Market from 11am-7pm or Douglas Village Shopping Centre from 2-5pm. Alternatively, performers can host their own event at a location of their choosing or online.
Since 2022, The Big Busk for Focus Ireland has raised more than €1 million in funds for the charity’s homelessness services nationwide. The charity began work in Cork in 2007 and now provides nearly 200 homes throughout Cork city and county, through the Focus Housing Association in partnership with local authorities.
Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said: “By securing homes for individuals and families, we take significant steps towards addressing the wider homelessness crisis. Every person or family housed is a victory. It's a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and collective action.
“Join us and play your part by supporting The Big Busk for Focus Ireland. Sign up and perform to raise funds or donate to support our mission. Together, we can end homelessness.”
Today FM presenter and Cork native, Matt Cooper, said: “This is my fourth year being involved with Today FM’s Big Busk for Focus Ireland. It has been both moving and inspiring to hear and share stories on-air from people who have experienced homelessness and I’m in awe of the work done by Focus Ireland to address this growing crisis which shouldn’t exist in our society today.
“I’m also inspired by the musicians who sign up to take part in the Big Busk and by those who donate to raise much-needed funds for this wonderful cause. We want as many people as possible to support The Big Busk for Focus Ireland on 7 March so sign up at todayfm.com/busk and tune in for more announcements yet to come!”
Cork musician Colin Cronin, has participated in The Big Busk since 2022 and will host and live stream his own busking session Live From The Yellow Door, outside his home in St Luke’s, performing as @TheFutureCorkLocalBand.
He said: “I struggled to get a place of my own for the last 10 to 15 years so I understand how hard it is to find and secure a home. I really enjoyed the Big Busk in previous years and I can't wait to sit down on 7 March and do a bit of a jam outside my own front door. I’d encourage as many musicians as possible to sign up for the Big Busk and I’m hoping lots of friends and neighbours will come along to hear me perform and make a donation either in person or online to Focus Ireland.”
If you’re a musician and want to be in with a chance of being crowned Ireland’s Next Big Busker and win a recording session with Today FM, enter before 28 February via todayfm.com/busk. The winner will be announced by Matt Cooper live on ‘The Last Word’ on 7 March.