A BUSKATHON in memory of a colourful Bolton character saw dozens of musicians pick up an instrument.

The fundraising event, which was held outside Booth’s Music, in Churchgate, saw buskers perform impromptu renditions and collaborations from 10am to 3pm on Saturday to remember musician Crissi Makin.

The 59-year-old, who was the former licensee of The Tramways pub in Astley Bridge, died last month after suffering from a brain tumour.

Owner of Booth’s, Tony Aspinall, said: “We have had people come off the street who wanted to get involved, it has been a real success.

“This is just the thing that Crissi would have enjoyed, to it is nice to have it in her memory. She was a regular in the shop, and a really good customer.”

Ms Makin, a transsexual formerly known as Clive, fell ill earlier this year and was cared for in Astley Grange Nursing Home until she died.

She held a buskathon of her own in Churchgate last year, which raised more than £200 for Children in Need.

Ms Makin was also a big supporter of live music, allowing bands to rehearse in her pub and encouraging them to perform.

Donations from the buskathon will go towards the Churchgate Stage Fund, which was set up in a bid to give local musicians and students of Booth’s an outdoor performance space in Churchgate.

Mr Aspinall said the fund has raised nearly £600, and is well on the way to achieving its goal.

He added: “Crissi was a great supporter of Bolton musicians and bands, so the performance stage will be a fitting legacy.”