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THE BUSKERS BALL
of Bolton, England
Bob Dylan at Stirling 2001
Updated 3rd July 2003
Well, here's a turn up for the book! Despite promoting 'live' music, you may not know that we also run a mobile disco, which goes by the name Sergeant Peppers!
Now before you all start yelling 'sell out' I should point out that there are times when a disco is needed for certain events. Sergeant Peppers is run by us, musicians, so you won't get a self centred dj who likes the sound of his voice more than the music. What you will get is an excellent sound and light system (Studiocraft, Celestion, Denon etc) playing the kind of music YOU want.
You can even combine a 'live' Buskers Ball with the disco, so you'll get the best of both worlds.
If you're looking for a disco for your function, trust us.....
For further details click
or give Alec a ring on
07904 215331
Is Bolton becoming the coolest place in the North West? We've already spawned the talent of Peter Kay, Badly Drawn Boy, Mark Radcliffe, Sara Cox, Victoria Darbyshire, Fred Dibnah, Bernard Wrigley, Bob Williamson , oh and me! And now it seems it has become the centre for the acoustic revival which is no doubt taking place. At the last count, there were at least a dozen acoustic sessions in the town every week. We're proud that the Buskers Ball however, was and still is the original (imitation is the sincerest form of flattery y'know!) Any way, here's the news!
We're pleased to announce that the North West Songwriting Competition will again be taking place this year. This is about the eighth year of running it, and this year we will be holding it in the upstairs room at Elements in Bolton. This has been a very popular event over the years, and we're sure that this year's competition will be equally popular..
If you want to enter, then you're most welcome. Just email me with your name and address at busker@freeuk.com or ring me on 07904 215331 and we'll send you an application form and a set of rules (although you should be able to go to the rules by clicking HERE and the entry form by clicking HERE...just print them out!).
You'll be expected to perform your song live at a series of heats held at Elements, which will run weekly from September through to the grand final in December
As in previous years, you don't have to live in the North West, just as long as you can make it to the heats. Any kind of music is allowed, as long as its vaguely 'acoustic'..and no drumkits!!!
Kirsty McGhee and Nathan Ball are amongst our previous winners and we've attracted entrants from as far afield as York and Bristol. Closing date for entries will be around the end of August, so get writing!
New Venue!
Saturday night isn't all that good for acoustic music in the North West, however we're pleased to announce a new venue! About fifteen years ago, one of our first ever sessions was held at The Mop and now we're back!!
The Mop (or Weavers Arms to give it its correct name) can be found on Brunel Street, which is about half way up Halliwell Road in Bolton (just ask on Halliwell Road, everybody knows it). Its not that easy to find, but worth it, cos its a great pub, biker friendly, and they're not that strict on chucking out time. As well as a great session of live music, we also play some great sounds on the disco, anything from Richard Thompson to Tom McRae so if you ever wanted to dance to the Incredible String Band...here's your chance! Beer is good too!
New Venue!
We've also started at a new venue in Bolton town centre every Sunday evening from 7pm till 1.30am!The bar is called Elements and it is also situated on Bradshawgate. We've been there about four weeks now and the place is packed, with a great atmosphere. Also note the time for last orders! We'll be playing some 'cool' tracks on the disco from 7 till 8pm with the live music going through till about midnight. the beauty of this is that artists can play more or less as long as they want, or at least till apathy sets in, in which case I'll pull the plug! After the live music, we'll be spinning some music by the likes of Richard Thompson, John Martyn,etc with a fine selection of blues, folk and world music thrown in for good measure.
You can even go to another acoustic venue and roll up to play later on!! This is going to be a musicians heaven, so see ya there!
Lostock Terminated!
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We're sorry to say, that out long running session at The Lostock Arms has folded due to audience apathy! This was a great room and a great pub, but for some reason the locals just didn't bother coming in, which was a bit of a bummer (snooty lot!). Anyway, thanks to all the artists who turned up over the years, and thanks to Dave the landlord for his support. Maybe we'll start up again there some time in the future, (when the locals realise what they've lost! ).
Sorry our guestbook folded without notice. We have now opened another so please sign it, we love to read your comments. Details on our first page, or you can access it from here:
We now have our very own radio station at MP3.com which will feature the best in acoustic/folk music!
To check it out, just click on the panel...once there press play, then return here using your browser's 'back' button and listen in as you carry on surfing!!
If you'd like your music played (or if you know any tracks on mp3 we should play) just email us with the details, and we'll do our best!
Want some free music?
Alec now has several of his songs available as mp3 downloads available for free at
please feel free to go and listen and download
