2025 Big Busk for Focus Ireland comes to Limerick on Friday, March 7

Pictured is Julia Smith (centre) from Focus Ireland and musicians Saibh Skelly and Sam Clifford launching The 2025 Big Busk for Focus Ireland with Today FM which takes place nationwide on March 7. Picture: Mark Stedman

Focus Ireland and Today FM are calling on Limerick musicians, buskers, bands, choirs, schools and community groups to join the 2025 Big Busk

Join Focus Ireland and Today FM in the fight against homelessness on Friday, March 7 in Limerick’s Crescent Shopping Centre or host your own Big Busk.

The Big Busk for Focus Ireland, proudly supported by Today FM, returns to Limerick’s Crescent Shopping Centre on Friday March 7, giving Limerick musicians the chance to play a part in the fight to end Ireland’s homelessness crisis.

Now in its fourth year, Focus Ireland is once again partnering with Today FM for The Big Busk which aims to tackle the rising homelessness crisis through the power of music and performance.

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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 throughout Friday, March 7. 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 on Friday, March 7, or take part in one of Focus Ireland’s busking events in Cork, Dublin, Galway. 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 focusireland.ie

The charity provides 280 homes throughout Limerick city and county through the Focus Housing Association, in close partnership with Limerick City Council and supports many Limerick households through its housing and services work and its Tenancy Support and Settlement service.

Since 2022, The Big Busk for Focus Ireland, proudly supported by Today FM, has raised over € 1 million in funds for Focus Ireland’s services nationwide. On Friday, March 7, the charity and national broadcaster, aim to add even more to this impressive tally.

Hundreds of performers are set to take part in this year’s Big Busk which will also feature a Super Focused Set List of songs requested by people who have been supported by Focus Ireland. Big Busk performers are invited to include some of the songs in their busking set, with a dedication to the person who requested it.

If you’re a musician and want to be in with a chance of being crowned ‘Ireland’s Next Big Busker’ and win a recording session with Today FM, just enter online before February 28th. The overall winner will be announced by Matt Cooper live on The Last Word on Friday March 7.

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.”

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”.

If you’re a musician, singer, busker or part of a music group or choir, you can make a difference to the lives of people experiencing the trauma of homelessness by performing at The Big Busk on Friday March 7.