The streets of Barnstaple will soon be alive with the sound of music, as the town gets set to welcome the return of a busking festival on Saturday 20 April.

After the success of the 2022 festival, which was created by local musician Chloe Aston as part of her Petroc College course, the event has been backed for a return by Flourishing Barnstaple, with hopes it will become a regular part of the town's cultural calendar.

The festival will take place on Saturday 20 April between 10am and 4pm at three spots in the High Street, plus The Square and The Strand, as well as in Green Lanes and the Pannier Market. Over 30 buskers will take part in the event. Alongside the musicians, there will be a Punch and Judy show on Library square and entertainers performing as they wander around the town.

Also on Saturday 20 April is the FOODfest Marketplace at the Barnstaple Pannier Market between 9am and 4pm. Alongside the normal Saturday market, visitors can discover the best of local food and drink - from fresh local produce to Devon-produced drinks and fresh bakes, organisers promise there’s something for everyone. 

Cultural Producer, Lee Baxendale, says: "We are thrilled to welcome the Busking Festival back to our town centre after a wonderful festival back in 2022. Get ready to be captivated by the melodies, dazzled by the performances and swept away by the energy of the many talented musicians we have in North Devon. Please pop the date in your diary to come along and soak up the tunes whilst enjoying a spot of shopping, getting your foodie fix at the FOODfest market, or enjoying lunch in one of our many brilliant eateries."

Chloe Aston, says: “I am very excited to take part in the organisation of the Barnstaple Busking Festival after the success of the last event held in 2022. This year there will be more buskers, a wide range of genre and age groups and lots of local talent. As a busker myself, I believe busking is a very important addition to the High Street. It brings entertainment to the public and creates opportunities for local musicians and artists. So please do come and check out what North Devon has to offer!"

This event has been made possible due to support from the Cultural Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England, on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.