Talented teen’s bid for Best Young Busker title

A talented teenager is hoping to be named London’s Best Young Busker – and needs the public’s help to get him to the finals, writes Francesca Baldwin.

Alex Barnett, 18, from Edgware, was selected from more than 4,500 applicants to represent the Borough of Barnet in The Gigs Big Busk, which has been organized by the Mayor of London.

The Edgware & District Reform Synagogue member has been passionate about music since he was young, and aged just 8 performed his first busking gigs at Ridley Road Market in Dalston, where his father worked as a fishmonger.

His talent for singing, playing the guitar, dancing and acting landed him a place at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, but he was unable to take up his place due to lack of funding.

The fan of Freddie Mercury, Bon Jovi and Frank Turner, says: “If I were to win, I would be over the moon, because recognition is something that all musicians want.”

Alex now needs enough public votes to guarantee a place in the Gigs Grand Final, which will be held on Sunday, 8 September at Westfield Shopping Centre, Shepherd’s Bush.

If he takes the title, Alex’s prizes will include recording time at a top London studio, music equipment and an exclusive licence to busk on London Underground.

You can vote for Alex to get to the final by visiting www.gigsbigbusk.com/vote. Votes will close on 31 August.