A VIOLINIST has described the moment an elderly couple decided to spontaneously dance to his music in Chester city centre as one of the "joys of busking".

The clip, which has been shared widely on social media, shows a couple enjoying the music being performed on Eastgate Street in the early August sunshine. Violinist Philip Chidell said it was typical of his interactions in what he referred to as "the world's most beautiful city".

Philip said: "I happened to be playing a piece that was in 3/4 time, so that sort of waltz-like music. I guess they were just inspired in the moment and got up and danced.

"It was great, it was like a collaboration. That's the sort of moment that sometimes occurs when you're out there, that's one of the joys of busking. You can have these interactions with people and everyone seems to enjoy it.

"Everybody clapped when they finished and then clapped when I finished the song as well. It was a lovely moment."

Having played the violin since the age of five, Philip settled in Chester after attending a music school in Manchester. He says that the spot in which the video was filmed is among his favourite to play at and that he regularly busks throughout the summer.

Philip explained that the caption is in reference to a recent article which listed Chester as mathematically the most beautiful city in the world, but that it also holds a significance for him as someone who is regularly playing in the city centre.

"As a musician, the acoustics of playing in the street and the sound echoing off both sides is incredible. I think it's quite a compact city and you can see so many incredible things within a five or 10 minute walk.

"The people who live here and the tourists are all so friendly and I feel very lucky as a busker that I'm able to have interactions with them all. I don't think I've had a single negative comment, which is really nice."

Many on social media correctly identified the piece as Memory from the musical Cats, with others commenting that the moment was "beautiful" and "wholesome".

The violinist says that he regularly performs at the Cross and at the spot on Eastgate Street, perfect for a lunchtime concert if you've got time to spare.