WATCH: Care Home Concert by Exmouth's Bradley the Busker

Residents at an Exmouth care home were treated to a special concert yesterday thanks the town's resident musician, Bradley the Busker.

Staff and residents at the Manor Lodge were given their own private concert by Bradley, who played from the car park to an audience listening in through open windows to ensure the concert followed social distancing rules.

Bradley has contacted around a dozen local care homes to offer his musical services and the Manor Lodge was the first to take him up on the offer.

Nub News caught up with Bradley today to find out more, he said: "I used to do quite a lot of performances at care home, it's all part of the work of a musician.

"I've played at a number of care homes locally and it is the care homes that have been hit hardest in the coronavirus outbreak with many residents unable to receive visitors. I thought it would be nice to provide them with some entertainment.

"I performed the gig at a safe distance, outside their communal dining room and they listened in through open windows. They all seemed to enjoy it and I could see a few staff and residents get up for a dance while I was playing.

He added: "It's a really rewarding thing to do, it's still work but it is a nicer part of my job and it's better than being paid to play to an empty pub."

Bradley, who many of you will have seen play while walking through Exmouth town centre, has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lock down. Gigs and weddings have been cancelled and his music tuition sideline has ground to a halt.

Despite his personal challenges Bradley wants to bring some 'normality' back to people's lives and what better way to do that than with live music.

"Anyone looking for a gig at the end of their garden or something similar, as long as we abide by social distancing rules, I'm up for it."

Live music venues in Exmouth and the wider East Devon area have been forced to cancel many gigs and Bradley's music tuition business has been hit hard by the lock down.

"The lock down has pretty much finished me off to be honest," said Bradley.

"I've always made enough money to get by with my music. I had gigs and weddings booked in for the next few months and I teach but that has all had to stop.

"Obviously busking is also out of the question now too. At this time of year my work would normally be picking up into the summer months but the lock down has changed everything."

Bradley added: "It's a horrible situation but the bright side is we get to spend time with the people we love. Let's try to make the most of the lock down."

Every Friday night, at 7.30pm, Bradley also performs a virtual gig using Facebook Live.

If you have any song requests get in touch with Bradley via his Facebook page.

There will also be a virtual tip jar, via PayPal, for anyone who would like to drop anything into the hat but viewers are under no obligation to do so.

If you would like to watch any of Bradley's Virtual Gigs or would like to find out more about Bradley and his music check out his Facebook page.