Busk It!

Busk It!
South Kerrier Alliance
Sunday 16th August | from 1pm

FREE EVENT — Playful Park

Local musicians and young talent from The Basement and across Helston take the stage for an afternoon of live music in the park!

Busk It! celebrates the musical talent on our doorstep — from emerging young performers finding their feet to established local musicians sharing their sound. The Basement, Helston’s space for young people at the Gateway Project, has been nurturing the next generation of musicians and this is their chance to shine in front of a home crowd.

Grab a coffee from the cafe, sit by the lake, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of live music. You might just discover your new favourite local act.

Part of the Playful Park summer programme.

FAQs for musicians joining us

Is there a cost to perform?
No – it’s completely free. We’re also a free event for the audience.

What’s the vibe like?
Relaxed and supportive. It’s an afternoon of live music by the lake with a friendly, local crowd. People will be sitting with coffees and ice creams, enjoying good music. There’s no pressure – this is about celebrating local musicians and having fun.

Who can perform?
Anyone! We welcome emerging young performers, experienced local musicians, solo artists, bands, all genres and all abilities. If you play music and want to share it, you’re welcome here.

What sound equipment will be available?
We’re providing a professional sound system and a dedicated sound technician will be on-site all day. They’ll handle setup and look after you.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No – we’ve got you covered with the sound system. You just need to bring yourself and your instrument/voice. If you have specific technical needs or use backing tracks, let us know when you get in touch and we can sort it.

How long is each slot?
We’re loosely booking 10-20 minute slots just to give us an idea of what to expect, but everything’s negotiable. If you need more or less time, just discuss it when you email us.

Can I use backing tracks?
Yes, absolutely. Just let us know when you book so the technician can get everything set up.

What about cables and connections?
The technician will have standard cables and connections. Let us know what you’ll need when you get in touch (e.g. XLR, 1/4″ jack, 3.5mm, etc.) and we’ll do our best to make sure it’s there.

Do I need my own microphone?
We’ll have a microphone available, but if you prefer to use your own, feel free to bring it.

What time should I arrive?
Get in touch when you book and we’ll sort out specific arrival times. Generally, you’ll want to arrive with enough time before your slot for a quick soundcheck.

Where do I park?
There’s a small pay and display car park at Coronation Park (proceeds support the park). There’s also a larger pay and display car park at Castle Green, and at the nearby Fairground car park.

Is there easy access to the performance area?
Yes – there’s level access to Coronation Park and Events Square. If you have specific access needs, let Guy know when you book: guy@lovehelston.co.uk

What if it rains?
Musicians will be undercover in our pavilion structure opposite Lakeside Cafe. We only cancel in extreme weather, so please come prepared with a coat if the weather isn’t looking great.

Can I bring a friend/band member to help?
Of course! If you’re performing with others, just let us know the band size when you book.

What genres of music do you want?
All genres! Folk, pop, jazz, rock, indie, classical, electronic, hip-hop, acoustic, covers, originals – whatever you play, we’d love to have it.

Can I play original material?
Absolutely. Originals, covers, or a mix – whatever you want to share.

Are there any restrictions on what I can play?
We’re a family-friendly event during the daytime, so just keep that in mind. Beyond that, no restrictions at all.

Is this a battle of the bands or a competition?
No – there’s no competition element. This is about celebrating local musicians and giving everyone a chance to perform in a supportive environment.

How do I book a slot?
Drop Guy an email at guy@lovehelston.co.uk with:
– Your name
– Your music style/what you’ll be performing
– Whether you’re solo or with others
– What time you’d ideally like to perform (between 1-2.30pm) and for how long
– Any technical requirements or questions

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Life happens — just let us know as soon as you can so we can adjust the schedule.

Can I promote the event/my involvement?
Yes, please! Feel free to share the event details and tell people you’ll be performing. Tag us on socials if you like @coronationparkhelston

Who will I check in with when I arrive?
The technician and Guy will be on-site on Events Square. Just let them know you’ve arrived and they’ll get you sorted for soundcheck.

What if something goes wrong technically?
The technician will be there to help troubleshoot. Don’t worry – we’ll sort it.

Can friends and family come to watch?
Of course! It’s a free public event. Bring your supporters – they’ll love it.

Will it be recorded or photographed?
The event may be filmed or photographed for promotion and evaluation. Let us know if you have any concerns about that.

What is Playful Park?

Playful Park is our 2026 project transforming Coronation Park into a vibrant destination for family fun all summer long. At its heart is a spectacular giant painted floor mural designed by local artist Lisa Curtis — packed with games for all ages, free to play and here to stay as a permanent new addition to the park. Alongside the mural, there’s an interactive running track, community bunting-making, the Big Scribble (where you get to draw all over the paths!), a two-day games expo, busking from local young musicians, Play in a Day with the Minack, roaming Commedia dell’arte, Wake the Giant, a family sports day and much more running right through the summer holidays.

Support free events at Coronation Park

This year, over 60% of our events at Coronation Park are completely free. We do this because we believe that everyone in Helston and on The Lizard deserves access to brilliant events — regardless of what’s in their pocket. The South Kerrier Alliance CIC is a not-for-profit organisation and we don’t receive any regular public funding. Every free event we put on is only possible because of the support of people like you. If days like this matter to you and your community, please consider making a donation here.

Event-Specific Information

• Suitable for all ages.
• This is a free event. No booking required — just turn up!
• Features young performers from The Basement, Helston’s space for young people.

What do I need to know?

• This open-air event takes place in Events Square, directly outside Lakeside Cafe at Coronation Park, Helston, TR13 0RA.
• Lakeside Cafe will be open serving hot and cold drinks, ice creams, cakes and a range of family-friendly meals.
• Outdoor events will only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions, so please dress for the Cornish weather and bring a coat.
• There is a small pay and display car park at Coronation Park — all proceeds support the running of the park. There is a larger pay and display car park at Castle Green. Free parking is available at the nearby Fairground car park.
• There is level access to Coronation Park and Events Square. If you have any additional access needs that you’d like to discuss with us, please email Guy at guy@lovehelston.co.uk.
• There are accessible toilets at the rear of Lakeside Cafe.
• Events may be filmed or photographed and the material may be used by the South Kerrier Alliance CIC and its partner companies/organisations for evaluation, promotion or other projects. Please make sure everyone in your party is aware of this.