December 26th 2024.
Meet Charlie Cavey, a unique busker who can often be found serenading unsuspecting passers-by on the bustling streets of Cambridge. Unlike most street performers, Charlie doesn't mind being called a "rubbish act" because, well, he literally performs inside a trash can. Yes, you read that right. For over 25 years, Charlie has been known as "The Singing Binman," entertaining locals and tourists alike with his musical talents from inside a traditional Cambridge bin.
But how did he come up with such an unconventional act? Well, it all started when he saw a bin being emptied into a municipal truck. With the help of a friend, Charlie managed to squeeze himself and his guitar into a similar bin. And thus, the idea was born. He pokes the neck of his guitar through the slot of his grimy metal workplace on Trumpington Street, right in the heart of the city.
Charlie's fame has spread far beyond Cambridge, with his biggest stage being an audition for ITV's Britain's Got Talent in 2002. Despite having to be wheeled onto the stage by two crew members, Charlie gave a memorable performance of Monty Python's "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life." The audience even joined in, but unfortunately, he was buzzed off by judges Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell, and David Walliams after less than two minutes.
But Charlie's talents have not gone unnoticed. He has been requested to perform at weddings and has even had British celebrities like Sir Bob Geldof, Carol Vorderman, Gregory Porter, and Jim Broadbent stop by his acoustic pitch. And in August 2020, during a visit to Cambridge, even heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury couldn't resist joining Charlie for a rendition of Oasis' hit song "Don't Look Back in Anger."
Describing the encounter, Charlie recalled how Tyson approached him and "partially blotted out the sky." After leaving a tip and thanking Charlie for his performance, Tyson bid farewell with a handshake that "wrapped around my hand twice." Charlie joked that it would have been uncomfortable if it weren't for the money, but he truly enjoys seeing the genuine reactions of people who assume he can't see them from his confined space.
As it turns out, Charlie couldn't even play the guitar when he first discovered he could fit inside a bin. But after learning a few songs, a friend suggested he try performing from inside one of the bins on the street. At first, Charlie thought it was impossible until his friend showed him how to feed the neck of his guitar through the slot and close the latch.
While most people enjoy Charlie's performances, not everyone has been as appreciative. In 2017, some Cambridge students were reported to have thrown stink bombs and even bleach into Charlie's bin, claiming he played too loudly and for too long. But Charlie clarified that he only plays for 20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between, and has never had any complaints in his 11 years of busking in the city. He even had to get a "guard dog" for protection, but he assures that his act is all in good fun and always leaves people laughing.
In fact, Charlie loves challenging people to try out his workplace for size, often inviting them to "come and ask for a go in the bin...if you dare!" Busking may not be licensed in Cambridge, but the city council has a code of practice in place to ensure performers don't become a nuisance. And according to the council, busking is a "time-honoured tradition" that dates back to medieval times when minstrels and bards would travel around, not just for entertainment, but also to share news and messages.
Charlie's unique act has certainly captured the attention of many, and he continues to spread joy and laughter through his music. Have you ever come across him on the streets of Cambridge? Share your story with us. We'd love to hear it!
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