Olly Pearson Busking in Chester Before Britain’s Got Talent
Before the bright lights of Britain’s Got Talent and the roar of television audiences, Olly Pearson was a young guitarist honing his craft in the streets of Chester. Busking became one of the earliest ways he connected with people, sharing his passion for music with everyday passersby long before he stood on a national stage.
Pearson, who grew up between North Wales and Chester, developed an interest in guitar during the COVID-19 lockdown. His grandfather, Lee, was the one who first placed a guitar in his hands, while his father, Simon, encouraged him to keep practicing. Those early lessons, combined with hours of self-driven dedication, quickly shaped him into a promising young musician with a natural flair for rock and performance.
Busking in Chester gave Pearson more than just a platform to play; it gave him experience in reading an audience, adjusting his performance on the spot, and learning how to project confidence even when the crowd was small or distracted. Street performances can be unpredictable—some days bring enthusiastic listeners, while other days passersby hurry along without a glance. For Pearson, each outing was an opportunity to test his skills and build resilience.
The music he played while busking reflected his influences. Drawn to the energy of rock greats such as Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Bon Jovi, Pearson leaned into songs that highlighted his developing style—energetic, bold, and full of personality. Even in the open air of Chester’s city center, his playing carried a spark that set him apart from other street musicians.
By the time he auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent in 2025, Pearson had already gained valuable experience through busking. While BGT introduced him to a massive television audience and gave him the rare distinction of receiving two golden buzzers, the foundation of his confidence had been laid on the streets. Performing in front of judges like Simon Cowell is daunting, but for Pearson, the nerves were eased by the fact that he had already been sharing his music with strangers in public for years.
Busking also brought Pearson closer to his local community. Many in Chester and North Wales watched his rise with pride, knowing they had seen him perform with just a guitar and an open case not long before. That local support has remained important even as his career begins to move onto bigger stages and international recognition.
BGT’s Olly Pearson recalls the process of learning to play the guitar alongside his Grandad! 🎸🤘
@thismorning BGT’s Olly Pearson recalls the process of learning to play the guitar alongside his Grandad! 🎸🤘
Pearson’s journey from busking to BGT highlights the role that grassroots performance still plays in a digital age. While many young artists rely solely on online platforms to share their music, he chose to face live audiences early on, embracing both the challenges and rewards that came with it.
Looking back, it is clear that Chester’s streets provided an essential stepping stone. They taught Olly Pearson not only how to perform but also how to connect—a skill that carried him through the BGT stage and will likely continue to serve him as his musical journey unfolds.
