Red Light Busking brings music to the streets

Published 31 July 2019 by Caroline

A new mini-festival brings music to the streets of Walthamstow this summer.

Red Light Busking will be a celebration of live music, local talent and intimate performance.

On Saturday 24 August 2019, Walthamstow Central will come to life with culture and music in a one-day mini festival, as buskers make use of six shop fronts throughout Walthamstow High Street and Hoe Street to perform live music and acoustic sets.

Red Light Busking is the brainchild of Waltham Forest resident David Anglin who was selected by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 to become one of this year’s Fellowship Funding projects. Fellowship Funding was made available in 2019 as part of Waltham Forest's London Borough of Culture year to support artists and organisations to create locally relevant, ambitious cultural activity right across the borough during 2019.

Organisers hope that Red Light Busking will inspire audiences to engage with live music and be part of something special taking place at the heart of the community. Featuring the best of unsigned UK talent, music genres range from soul and jazz to acoustic guitar and Grime, with the "soul" purpose of bringing new music and good vibes to shoppers.

The shop front windows being transformed into spaces of creativity include; coffee shops, barber shops, a clothes store and Mirth, Marvel and Maud.

David reveals more: "They say the high street is dying, well in Waltham Forest we're full of life, feel-good sound vibrations and most importantly, an abundance of culture; we just need to bring it together. I'm happy to be encouraging community spirit and opportunities for young people. If it's culture you're looking for, then we are the culture and we're happy to share it."

Top Dolla, an act who'll be performing at the mini festival says: "I'm really excited to be a part of this project as there's not many chances to showcase local talent on such a wide platform. Red Light Busking is such a unique concept and I can imagine it bringing good vibes to high streets across the city, I'm pleased that I was selected to be a part of its debut!"

Venues taking part:
100% U Hair Barbers – 129 Hoe St, Walthamstow E17 4RX
Clipmasons Barbers – 214 High St Walthamstow E17 7JH
GO2 Mens Wear - 187 High St, Walthamstow, London E17 7BX
Costa Coffee - 5 Station Approach, Walthamstow, London E17 9QF
Turtle Bay - The Scene Cleveland Place, 269 High St, London E17 7FD
Mirth, Marvel & Maud - 186 Hoe St, Walthamstow, London E17 4QH

Artists:
Akin Soul
Chevonne
Davide Stramaglia
Dezy Bongo
Jon Dubaya
DJ B3
Dougie
Fitzdcat
Havana Sky Coyne
Ras Charmer
Rose Ebony Vargas
Top Dolla
Zvetlana