Buskers welcome in Rochdale Town Centre

Michael Wray busking in Rochdale Town Centre

Rochdale Town Centre has attracted many buskers and we talked to Michael Wray, a busker who was in Rochdale Town Centre today (Saturday 22 February), who has been busking for over 30 years.

Michael started busking in Rochdale in November, he said: “I have done this all over the world including Australia and Europe. I get a good response to my act and it is usually positive.”

Michael’s performance includes him singing and playing the violin whilst also controlling a puppet, making it dance to his music.

“Rochdale is a gem of a place and the people here are great and are very positive about what I am doing,” added Michael.

It seems the people in Rochdale Town centre also appreciate what buskers do with many people commenting that they “didn’t mind them” and adding, “they are good at what they do”.

Jennifer Shaw contacted Rochdale Online after seeing buskers in the town centre and described them as providing “cheery music on the high street.”

Connor Cain said: “Personally, I like them. I like music and think its nice to hear what they do. They don’t usually bother people by asking for money so I don’t see any issue with them.”

Amy Donegan added: “I like them as well. They bring something to the town centre and brighten it up and make it a bit more lively.”

Sophie Rawlings said: “I think they are really nice to have in a town. They don’t bother people and don’t ask for anything.”

Adeel Khudadaksh added: “I like music so I like hearing them. They are quite good to have in the town and often entertain people.”

Street performing is practised all over the world and is performed by men, women and children across a variety of areas.

Busking can include many other disciplines as well as music, such as acrobatics, comedy, dance, magic and drawing.