THE Big Busk for Focus Ireland returns to Limerick’s Crescent Shopping Centre on Friday March 7 (11am-6pm) giving Limerick musicians the chance to play a part in the fight to end Ireland’s homelessness crisis.
Every day, Focus Ireland works tirelessly to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness rebuild their lives. The charity provides essential support services, secure housing for families and individuals, and campaigns for systemic solutions to the homelessness and housing crisis nationwide.
Busking events in aid of Focus Ireland will be held across the country.
The charity, in partnership with Today FM, is now calling for Limerick’s talented musicians, choirs, singers, buskers, bands, community groups and schools – whether they are solo artists, or part of a group – to join in The Big Busk and help raise funds for their vital homeless services.
Participants can sign up for The Big Busk in Limerick’s Crescent Shopping Centre. Alternatively, performers can organise their own Big Busk and host their own event with family, friends, colleagues or neighbours in their local community, at a location of their choosing, or even online. You can also support by donating at todayfm.com/busk
Today FM have just announced Ireland’s Next Big Busker, a competition they’re running as part of the Big Busk, to crown Ireland’s best up and coming busker who will win a studio recording session in Today FM.
Today FM presenter and Limerick native, Louise Cantillon, who performed a powerful self-penned bilingual piece about homelessness live on air during last year’s Big Busk said: “It’s back! Tá sé ar ais arís! We are all so excited to be partnering with Focus Ireland again for The Big Busk 2025. We had so much fun last year, and we can’t wait to get involved again this year and raise much needed funds for vital services for Focus Ireland. We want you to warm up your vocal cords and get ready to sing with us, calling all solo singers, community choirs, schools, GAA clubs, business owners, publicans and everyone in between, anyone can get involved. All you have to do is go to todayfm.com/busk to sign up or donate today. Bígí linn”.
Launching The Big Busk 2025, Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said, “For forty years, Focus Ireland has been a lifeline for thousands of people during the toughest of times, helping ensure that they can stay in their homes, or find and keep a new home. We believe everyone has the right to a place to call home. Not just a roof over our heads, but a place where we feel settled, safe, and secure. A place where we can build our lives and our futures. Yet, today in Ireland, too many people are affected by this crisis. Over 55,000 people have experienced homelessness in the past decade.
“By securing homes for individuals and families, we take significant steps towards addressing the wider homelessness crisis. Every person or family housed is a victory. It’s a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and collective action. By supporting our work through events like The Big Busk, you’re helping to provide support services, secure housing and advocate for change. Join us and play your part by supporting The Big Busk for Focus Ireland. Sign up and perform to raise funds or donate to support our mission. Together, we can end homelessness.”
