OVER the past few years, a group of friends have combined their love of music, charitable causes and the Black Country (as well as their love for a pint or two!) to raise tens of thousands of pounds for vital services across our region.
2025 marked one of the most successful years for Busking for Charity, with the organisation having raised an estimated £30,000 for charities across Dudley and the wider Black Country.
At their “anchor venue” and unofficial home of The Crafty Jar in Stourbridge Town Centre, in December, they hosted their end of year event where cheques were handed out to charities, inspirational stories were shared, and incredible live music was heard.
“It was a room full of love and beauty,” said Garry James from Busking for Charity. “There were dozens of people who had all come together for exactly the right reasons.
“We had a good, varied lineup on the night and every penny donated puts a smile on someone’s face.”
From pubs, libraries and community centres to football games, supermarkets and hospital wards, the charity hosts musical performances anywhere and everywhere to spread their message.
They aim to help as many organisations and causes in the region as possible, as well as five core charities they focus on each year.
“We’ve heard stories of how we’ve helped these organisations, some with new equipment and resources, some from the brink of closure,” said Keith Horsfall from the charity. “We have exploded over the past four or five years and have created a real sense of community.
“We’re just a group of friends unified over our love for music and these organisations.”
Well-known busker who is also a core part of the team, Billy Spakemon, added: “As well as supporting the charities, it’s also highlighting the performers we have in our communities.
“We’ve had all forms of the arts perform, from poets, singers, musicians.
“We’ve created a stage for them as well.”
On December 28, Busking for Charity, in association with Gig Caritas, presented a total of £21,000 to Dudley’s Me, Myself & I Group, Discover U Charity, White House Cancer Support, Sgt Peppers Friendship Club and Dudley Breast Care Screening at Russels Hall Hospital.
Mr James described the night as a “wide and varied eclectic mix of local talent”, all of whom had come together to celebrate the stories of crucially important organisations.
Over the past four years, the group believe they have raised more than £80,000 for a whole host of different causes.
For 2026, with fundraising already underway, Busking for Charity’s core organisation for the year will be Tough Enough to Care, Riverside House, The MS Therapy Centre, Sandwell Visually Impaired and the Teenage Mental Health Support Unit at Russells Hall Hospital.
Proud to be a key supporter of the group’s work, The Crafty Jar’s Andy Smith said: “It’s incredible what they do.
“We’re proud to host these events and support them in any way.”
Kicking off their 2026 fundraising campaign, Busking for Chairty are hosting an evening of live music at The Crafty Jar this Sunday (January 11) from 5pm until 8pm.
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