A visit to Abergavenny can really feel like a break away from it all – you can almost feel time slowing down as you unwind and take in the fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery of the Usk valley. An ideal base for exploring the Brecon Beacons, Abergavenny has much to offer tourists – a blend of old and new, that includes great street performances from some of the best buskers in the UK.
Busking or street performance – is performing in public places for gratuities. In many countries the rewards are generally in the form of money but some buskers are given such as food, drink or gifts. Men, women and children performance in the streets all over the world and it dates far back in history.
Frankie Wesson is a self taught musician who began writing songs at the age of 16 and her heartfelt songs are drawn from personal experiences and these are moving and relatable. Raised on artists like Van Morrison, Eva Cassidy, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Fleetwood Mac their influences have formed a foundation for her eclectic musical taste.
Frankie said: “I first started busking to raise money for an overseas volunteering programme I took part in. The best part of busking is seeing someone in the street smile or singing along while going about their day or the many people I meet who just stop for a chat to share stories about their experiences with music. I always end up making some new friends with passers by or fellow buskers. And of course the kids! The children love it, I once got 50p and a lovely hug from a charming young man, made my day.”
Frankie has also taken inspiration from contemporary artists such as Ed Sheeran, Alanis Morisette, John Mayer, Adele, Macklemore, Gabrielle Aplin, Paramore and Tracy Chapman. Her sets consist of a mixture of both laid back and upbeat original songs aw well as covers.
Frankie said: “Abergavenny has always been a busker friendly town and is well known for its regulars like the very talented Jim Ramsey and a variety of other musicians both locally and those from further away who travel to come and play here.”
Abergavenny is a market town in Monmouthshire, Wales. It is located 15 miles (24 km) west of Monmouth on the A40 and A465roads, 6 miles (10 km) from the English border. Originally the site of a Roman fort, it became a medieval walled town within the Welsh marches. The town contains the remains of a medieval stone castle built soon after the Norman conquest of Wales.
Frankie said: “I would love to see the local council getting more involved with the organisation and funding of our thriving music scene in Abergavenny to provide more and larger platforms for local musicians to showcase their talents. We have a beautiful selection of public parks and recreational areas in Abergavenny which would be perfect for staging live music festivals and events.”
Frankie said: “Music is very important to me which is why I’m so grateful to the people of Abergavenny for supporting me with their change, because it really is what I love to do. I write my own songs mostly about my experiences with friends, relationships, travelling, university and life in general. If I could sing with another artist it would probably be Ed Sheeran, he is one of the most talented songwriters of my generation and I would love to write with him. If you want to hear more from me and my music I’m Frankie Wesson on YouTube, Facebook and SoundCloud.”
Watch Frankie, Jim and Lee’s street performances here:
NEWS & EVENTS 