Street entertainers are being urged to book early to reserve their pitches in Douglas town centre over the Christmas period. Town centre manager Gill Anderson said: ‘Having buskers in the town centre at Christmas has proved very successful. Street entertainment adds to the atmosphere at this busy time of the year and helps attract greater number of shoppers. ‘Judging from the standard and variety of buskers we’ve seen in previous years and the success of this summer’s Festival of Youth there’s clearly a wealth of talent out there. With this in mind we welcome applications from every type of entertainer; solo performers, vocal and instrumental groups, brass bands, school choirs - any performance artists who feel they could add to the mix of street theatre in the town centre. ‘Demand for pitches grows every year – especially for the Thursday late-night shopping evenings and other peak times such as TT fortnight - which has led to our drawing up a timetable and requiring performers to pre-book their slots throughout the year,’ added Mrs Anderson. For the Christmas period street entertainers must apply to Douglas Development Partnership, the body that issues busking licences on behalf of Douglas Borough Council, no later than Monday November 7, 2011. Busking slots are provided free of charge. Applicants should indicate the duration for which the slot will be required. To apply contact ganderson@douglas.org.im, telephone 612022, or call in to 7-13 Victoria Street, Douglas. Ends