Ellie’s a busking star

Ellie’s a busking star

11 February 2015

AT just 17, Ellie McCreanor is already a firm fixture on Belfast’s thriving busking scene.

The Annacloy schoolgirl has travelled solo to the capital city since she was just 14, setting up on an empty street corner every Saturday morning to perform for shoppers.

Gradually acquiring an awareness of the tunes that attract most attention, she now has her own following with one of her most popular songs a slow version of Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing in the Dark.

Another song that has proven a hit in recent weeks is her version of the theme tune Let it Go from the phenomenally successful Disney movie Frozen, which Ellie said seemed to capture the imaginations of the youngest passers-by, who in turn encouraged their parents to stop, listen and toss her a coin.

Ellie is now hoping Down Recorder readers will also give her a few minutes of their attention by voting for her in a competition seeking Belfast’s best busker.

She is one of 13 street musicians shortlisted in a busking competition hosted by the Belfast Telegraph. Readers are asked to vote for their favourite performer and can also listen to Ellie through the website www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Voting will end on February 27. If Ellie wins, she will take home a £100 music voucher that she would hope to put towards a new guitar.

“I have been busking every Saturday for a few years and have been doing it on my own since I was 14,” she said.

“You quickly realise how you have to project your voice and play popular music to interest people.

“It is enjoyable and I have had the opportunity to get to know other musicians. I haven’t found it competitive at all, except when I arrive at my favourite spot and see somebody else has set up there!”