Talented musicians from Hackney and Islington made the grand final of the biggest busking competition in the country on Sunday.

The Mayor of London’s Gigs Big Busk took place over the last five months, whittling 500 entrants down to just 18 finalists who performed on stage at Westfield Stratford City yesterday afternoon.

Hackney group Jazz Mino put on a brave show in the band category, but on the day missed out to Ealing trio The Tailormade.

Jazz Montakhab, singer with the band, said: “It was pretty awesome and sadly we didn’t win anything but it was a really good competition.

“Just coming out on the stage was just incredible, I literally couldn’t believe how busy Westfield was.”

But this isn’t the end for Jazz and her band who are going to start recording their EP this week, which is set to be out at the start of next year.

Meanwhile 14-year-old Islington singer-songwriter Maya Delilah also fell a little short on the day and was pipped at the post in the youth category by Natalie Shay, from Enfield.

Boris Johnson said: “London is brimming with musical talent and this summer these talented artists have been bringing pleasure to thousands of people at locations across the capital.

“Gigs is about giving aspiring musicians the opportunity to develop their craft and gain more live experience and I wish all those wanting to pursue a career in the industry every success.”