Trailing behind but following close, the green man told me it was time to catch up with the family on the other side of the street. To my left, the performer stopped me in my tracks. Isolated by the sun and backed by dark shadows, the tree appeared haloed in its celestial spotlight as if performing it’s opera to an indifferent audience. People passed beneath all around but no-one was listening, no-one watching this scintillating spectacle.

I couldnt stop; the family were racing down the street and I needed to catch up. I thought briefly about grabbing the shot but time was lacking so I filed the image in my head as one of those ‘nice to have seen it’ cameraless photos.

But then luck threw me a card. The family headed into a clothes shop; I wasnt needed. After a second of thought, I took the opportunity and doubled back to experience the scene that had so grabbed my attention; a chance to catch the second act. Thankfully, the sunlit performance was still in full song. Satisfied the image was secured, I stood back to absorb the spectacle. Oh to have been in that balcony box seat to hear the full aria.