Manchester buskers play Piccadilly Gardens

Some of Manchester's best raw musical talent lit up the sunny centre of Manchester today.

The Piccadilly Gardens stage was platform to 13 young acts, all music students at The Manchester College, aged 16-19, in a follow-up to last October’s 'busking stage'.

CityCo who are working in conjunction with staff and students at The Manchester College to produce the event, have expressed their hope at making the busking stage a long-term commitment. 

Siobhan McGoff, marketing executive at the firm, said: “We got a really positive response last year and managed to keep the crowd all day despite the freezing October weather. 

“We really hope we’ll get the same response today so we can bring it back later in the year.” 

Rose Durbin, music tutor at The Manchester College, added: “The success of last October’s event has made the students really keen to perform live again. It’s great exposure for them which saw some of last year’s performers get airplay on the radio.” 

One performer, music technology student, Martin Minshall, 17 (pictured), said he was nervous to be showcasing his new solo material in his act called Faraday for the first time, having had the support of a band at last year’s stage. 

He said: “I know from my experience last year how much I’ll enjoy it once I’m up there, but this is the first time I’ve played my own songs on my own, so I’m pretty nervous. 

“But I’m also really excited because it’s such a great platform for people like me who are just starting out. I think everyone who has the opportunity to perform on the busking stage should. I’ll definitely do it again if the stage comes back.” 

Hannah Turnbull