RAIL and bus passengers in Liverpool city centre are to be given some extra entertainment during Capital of Culture year – by licensed buskers.

The “busk stops” will be created at Moorfields, Lime Street and Central stations, and at the Paradise Street bus interchange.

The Merseytravel initiative follows the highly successful scheme which has been in operation for a number of years on the London Underground (LU).

Buskers will perform on specially-designed mats at the designated busking stops in Liverpool.

But first they must pass a stringent “busk idol” audition to win the right to perform in one of the coveted prime busking spots, where they will be seen by thousands of people.

The scheme will be launched in the next few weeks after winning approval from the Capital of Culture sub-committee.

Merseytravel chief executive Neil Scales said: “It will initially be for a trial period during Capital of Culture year, but if people like it and it’s successful, there is no reason why it shouldn’t be permanent.

“The object of the exercise is to animate the travelling experience. It will be a really good opportunity for aspiring artists to perform in front of thousands of people.

“When you consider that an average of 40,000 people a day pass through Central, our busiest station, this will be a really big outdoor gig for somebody.”

The auditions will be open not only to musicians but to jugglers, mime artists and anyone who feels they can entertain the travelling public.

The members of the five-strong audition panel have yet to be appointed.

Mr Scales added: “Anything that makes public transport different and attracts people to the network has got to be a good thing.”

In May, 2003, LU won the right to change the laws and the bylaws to make busking legal on the London tube network.

Starting as a 16-week trial, the scheme was an overnight success and has gradually expanded through the years.

The scheme now counts over 356 buskers entertaining millions of commuters each day on 30 pitches in 22 stations, and providing over 3,000 hours of entertainment each week.

The scheme was developed as a response to customer demand for talented musicians being licensed to play at stations.

Licensed buskers are chosen on talent, with emphasis strongly placed on meeting the wide-ranging musical tastes of Tube passengers.

Buskers are not paid by LU and rely on the generosity of the travelling public. All buskers have to pass an audition in front of a judging panel.

alanweston