Banging tunes, big songs and great live entertainment returns to the bustling streets of Banbridge this June when the well-established Busking Festival – BuskFest – returns to the County Down town.
A big festival highlight and showcase for Banbridge, the hugely popular competitive event attracts thousands of visitors, lifting spirits in a town famous for great local music, food, drink and a warm and friendly welcome.
Registration to take part in the electrifying line-up opens on Monday 17th April when participants of all ages and abilities are invited to pitch in, rock up and play or sing their hearts out in the hope of winning a big cash prize.
£1000 will be available for the Overall Winner and a further £2000 split between the Best Band, Individual and Junior Categories – including the Best Performance sponsored by Banbridge Chamber of Commerce and the Spirit of Buskfest sponsored by The Boulevard.
Entrants are urged to get their names in early to be in with a chance to take part.
Budding entertainers and buskers alike are being encouraged to first register online at buskfest.com and make themselves known at the Old Town Hall in Banbridge on the morning of the event when pitch locations will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis from 9am – 11am.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Paul Greenfield, is counting down the days.
“I’m delighted that Banbridge’s BuskFest is back to entertain and enthuse us all again this year, promising an amazing showcase of musical talent and on-street performance to a vibrant town well-known for its history, heritage and unrivalled retail and hospitality offer.
Supported by both the council and the local community, business and artistic groups, we aim to make this year’s BuskFest an entertaining day for the whole family.”
The competition kicks off on Saturday 24th June from 1pm and runs until 4pm when the heart of Banbridge will be buzzing with musicians, singers, bands, solo artists and street performers. The prizegiving ceremony then moves to Solitude Park where the winners of each category get the chance to perform on stage.
BBC Radio Ulster presenter, BuskFest judge and compere Ralph McLean is also returning for this year’s event.
“The Banbridge Busking Festival has celebrated the best in on-street entertainment and acted as a catalyst for new and emerging talent who took on the challenge and made their presence felt. This year’s event promises a great day out for everyone.
If you haven’t yet visited BuskFest you are guaranteed a fantastic family day out. Enjoy the great atmosphere of the live music, dynamic street theatre and entertainment. As a music lover, I am delighted to be associated with BuskFest again this year,” Ralph said.
