The Buskerteers Choir has launched the video from the Big Busk 2024, held in March at The Cliffs Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea. The event saw over 1,200 choir singers unite to perform a stirring rendition of Carole King’s classic, ‘You’ve Got A Friend’. Alongside the video, a single version of the song has also been released, with the aim of raising £10,000 for Samaritans, the renowned mental health and suicide prevention charity.
In a significant show of support, Carole King and James Taylor, the legendary songwriters of ‘You’ve Got A Friend’, have both endorsed the campaign and shared the video to their combined 3.9 million Facebook followers.
Carole King commented, “I just saw this video of BUSKERTEERS CHOIR supporting Samaritans in the U.K., and it moved me to tears. Wherever you live, if you’re having suicidal thoughts, call your country’s national hotline. In the U.S. it’s 988.”
The campaign has already raised over £5,000 towards its £10,000 goal for Samaritans and has featured on BBC and ITV local news bulletins.
The Big Busk 2024 follows the success of the first Big Busk in 2023, which saw 600 people come together to learn and perform Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’. Last year’s Big Busk raised £10,000 for the Brain Tumor Trust.
The Buskerteers Choir, founded in Essex by Andrew Small with the goal of raising £1 million for charity through choir performances, has experienced remarkable growth since its inception. This December marks its fifth anniversary. In the past five years, the choir has expanded significantly, now boasting 6 choir leaders who manage 27 choirs across Essex, Suffolk, Sussex, and Hampshire. During this time, the Buskerteers Choir has raised an incredible £154,734.85 for various charitable causes.
Andrew Small, Founder of the Buskerteers Choir, commented on the release: “We are incredibly excited to share the Big Busk 2024 video and single with you all. Our performance of ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ was a powerful moment of unity and support, reflecting the core message of Samaritans. We hope our efforts will not only raise vital funds but also increase awareness of the mental health challenges many face, particularly men, who are often at greater risk of suicide.”
