The Big Busk is a three-day long touring festival in support of Big Issue North Trust – the charity that supports people who sell Big Issue North Magazine on the streets. The charity supports these vulnerable people to access support with issues such as housing, employment and health. Your generosity helps us to provide this support.
We’re taking our stage to city centre locations across the North West, with a mix of local artists and bigger names playing short (25 - 40 minute) slots throughout the afternoon and early evening.
The first Big Busk took place last year, and featured more than 40 artists. For 2019, we're in:
Friday, 20 September: Manchester, Tony Wilson Place (3pm-9pm)
Saturday, 21 September: Liverpool, Williamson Square (12pm-6pm)
Sunday, 22 September: Preston, Flag Market (12pm-6pm)
Big Issue North is a business solution to a social problem.
It’s a limited company employing staff to produce and distribute a weekly magazine that is sold by people who have limited other ways of earning an income in the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.
As well as selling the magazine, our vendors are given advice by staff on how to get help with anything from developing their skills or accessing English language courses, to getting housing, financial or health advice, which can help them achieve their goals and improve their lives for good.
Around 250 people sell Big Issue North each week. Big Issue North sellers buy the magazine from one of our regional offices for £1.25 and then sell it on established pitches in towns and cities for £2.50. They keep the £1.25 they make on every magazine.
Selling Big Issue North gives people the opportunity to earn an income. It also gives them motivation and self-esteem.
Big Issue North sellers are making a commitment to earn an income – working not begging. 85% of vendors have never begged and 64% of those who have committed crime prior to selling the magazine say they have offended less since they have been selling.
Big Issue North Trust is a registered charity (charity number 1056041), which raises funds to provide a range of support for sellers including support accessing services, help getting ID, home furnishing packages and projects such as breakfast clubs.
Over the last year, the Big Issue North Trust provided crisis support 1,521 times, financial support 213 times and health and wellbeing support 171 times, and supported 39 vendors into education, 11 into employment and 5 into accommodation. We rely on your generosity to be able to provide these services to those who need them most.