It’s that time of year again when blue flags come out and vast numbers of performers try their luck with the Mayor of London’s “Gigs” big busk competition.The Gigs busking competition has been running since 2009. Gigs takes place every year and is open to all Londoners aged 11 – 25, whatever musical style from classical to country and beatbox to ballads.

I spent a lot of time taking photos of last years contest because it was in two iconic locations near my old office, the Royal Exchange and St Pauls. I was also blown away by the combination of the E-M5 and the Oly 75mm for shooting live music. This year I only was able to venture out for two lunchtimes, but as ever the performances, talent and enthusiasm was great. This time around I was using my X-Pro1 and D600.

The acts I saw included:

Guest:

Cleofa:

ninetyeight:

James Paterson:

The first day I was out I used my X-Pro1 27mm and 55-200mm lenses, the second day I took my D600 and 70-300mm lens. Interesting comparison in the long lenses – the Fuji is a better lens than the Nikon, but of course the larger sensor of the D600 means the results are comparable or better overall.