IPSWICH: Shoppers at Ipswich Market will soon be entertained by live music after plans for a special busking area were approved.

It’s hoped that the busking corner will be up and running outside the town hall in a few weeks’ time.

The idea was thought up by Warren O’Connell, the manager of Ipswich Market, who is keen to hear from anyone who would like to perform there.

Mr O’Connell said: “I hear so many people moaning about buskers and how they should be moved but I love music and enjoy listening to them. I thought it would be good to have a designated area where proper acoustic musicians could play together on market day to entertain the shoppers.

“This will be beneficial for the town centre. When you go to Covent Garden you see a high standard of busking - why can’t we have that here?”

Mr O’Connell is planning to hold auditions for would-be buskers at the site and is urging anyone interested to contact him and send in demo tapes.

He added: “We’re looking for proper dedicated acoustic musicians who are passionate about performing.

“The idea is to set up an area possibly close to the town hall and have people playing on market days. I think it will liven up the whole area.”

James Young, Events Manager for Ipswich Borough Council, said: “We’ve been talking about this idea for some time and feel it could be very beneficial.”

n Anyone interested in playing in the new busking area can contact Mr O’Connell on 07967723495 or e-mail ipswichmarket@ hotmail.com