American busker in UK trying to earn cash to get home makes just £5 profit

Daily Mirror

06-06-2025

Blake Robert has arrived in the UK with no money in his wallet and a unique challenge - and he has been documenting his experience on his social media channel for all to enjoy
An American has flown to the UK for a unique challenge - and he literally cannot return home until it's completed. Blake Robert, who is known on social media as @theblakerobert, landed in the UK with just a suitcase and his guitar.
Without a penny in his pocket, he aims to earn enough money busking on the streets of the UK to not only support himself while he's in the country but to also fund his plane ticket home. He has been documenting his challenge on his TikTok channel, sharing exactly how much money he made in Bath on day three of his challenge.
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In his video, he said: "I flew to the UK with no money and now I'll have to survive off the money I make playing my guitar."
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After attending an open-mic night in Bath, he met up with a group of buskers to decide when and where he can play his music in the town centre.
He says the meet every morning to determine who get what spot to give each artist an opportunity to show off their talents while earning money for their performances.
The meeting concluded with him playing in three locations around that - with the first being right outside Bath Abbey.
At this location, he made £24, $5 (£3.70) and was also gifted a punnet of green grapes.
Just 15 minutes later, he was on to his next location slightly around the corner in Abbey Churchyard.
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He says he only made £1 because it started to rain during his second set as everyone dodged the downpour in nearby shops, cafes and restaurants.
Finally, set up on Stall Street, he made £18 and pulled in a small crowd who supported his music with praise and a dance.
Hungry and tried, he ended up spending £15.25 on a steak and ale pie before booking himself into a £22 hotel, leaving him with only a £5.75 profit for the day providing he didn't buy anything else and excluding his $5.
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Commenting on his video, one user said: "Very bold move coming to the UK with no money but basically I'm really enjoying the content so keep it coming."
Another user added: "If you are trying to save money there are much cheaper places you could go - Greggs, Weatherspoon's, a local café. Pubs are pricey unless they are Weatherspoon's. What other cities are you going to?"
A third user said: "I'm so invested in your journey! Bath is very expensive though!"
One more user added: "You are very near Bristol, you should go there!"