Frome’s first ever busking competition for under 25s took place in the town centre on Saturday 10th March.
The competition was opened with a special performance from Frome’s very own ukelele club, the Frukes. Crowds gathered to watch the seven acts who took part; Fresher and Angel, Henry Wacey, James Harriman, Archie Ttwheam, The Frontrunners, Gwen Sutterby and Scarlett Brudenell.
These fresh young artists showed off their talent and passion for music throughout the town, playing slots in iconic Frome locations including Cheap Street, the Cheese and Grain, the Black Swan Arts, and the newly-refurbished Boyle Cross area.
A panel of judges comprising of Al O’Kane, Frome town councillor and musician, Richard, owner of Frome music shop Raves from the Grave, and Olivia Dimery, drummer for the band Bad Sounds, assessed performances from each of the competing acts. Having watched each of the acts playing throughout the day, they retired for deliberation as crowds gathered in the Westway to watch a closing act from the puppeteers Noisy Oyster, bringing their world famous “Plain Bob” show to Frome.
Following a long deliberation from the judges, Fresher and Angel were declared the winners of the Frome Busks competition. This duo have won a gig at 23 Bath Street, Frome’s newly refurbished bar and live music venue, and a slot to perform at the Sunrise Celebration Festival.
Dan Fresher and Nathan Angel are a dynamic duo that love playing music, especially acoustic and hip-hop covers, and have been described as ‘a mix between The Kooks and Michael Buble’. Those who had gathered at 23 Bath Street to hear the results were treated to a great encore performance.
Councillor Al O’Kane said, “Congratulations to all our young buskers for their awesome performances around the town for Frome Busks. And a special well done to Fresher and Angel who were our winners, securing themselves slots at both Sunrise Festival and 23 Bath St later this year! Thanks to everyone involved particularly our prize givers, Number 23 and Sunrise Festival