World Buskers Festival 2011

Summer is not summer in Christchurch without buskers from around the world performing some of the craziest acts of daring, comedy, acrobatics, juggling and beauty that you will ever see... And only at the World Buskers Festival!

See it all, with street shows at UC Busker Park (Victoria Square), Cathedral Square, the Tip Top Busker Kid Pitch (Peacock Fountain, Botanic Gardens) and the CPIT Music Pitch (Christchurch Art Gallery Forecourt). And, then the schedule of events carries on into the night with daily night sky aerial shows at the More FM Aerial Stage, UC Busker Park and with the Christchurch Casino Fire Shows in both Cathedral Square and the UC Stage, Busker Park.

One of the highlights of this year's World Buskers Festival has to be the Pacific Blue Buskers Club, housed in Cathedral Square, this not to be missed venue plays host to Nothing But Stand Up (R18), featuring New Zealand stand-up comedy stalwarts Michele A'Court, Jeremy Elwood, Simon McKinney and Vaughn Smith, and the new and highly anticipated Buskers' Burlesque (R18) - starring the fun and flirty Lili La Scala, Tanya Drewery, Kevin Joyce and Freaks in a Box.

To help guarantee you a seat at both Nothing But Stand Up (R18) and Buskers' Burlesque (R18), our festival info booth will be operating from 11am each day of the festival for you to exchange your donation for a venue token that will gain you entry to that evening's show. Make sure to arrive at the venue with plenty of time and enjoy a glass of wine at the Stoneleigh Bar while you wait for the doors to the Pacific Blue Buskers Club to open at 7pm.

iSite Late Night With the Buskers (R18) is another highlight of the festival. Hosted at The Bedford, be sure to get in early to secure your seat for a mix of busker cabaret and some of Australasia’s best comedy, including special appearances by Ben Hurley, Dai Henwood and Justine Smith. The Stoneleigh Arts Centre Comedy Club (R18) will again take place in the picturesque surrounds of the Arts Centre. The Christchurch Art Gallery will host one of NZ’s best street theatre performers – Sam Wills, back in New Zealand after receiving rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for his show The Boy With Tape On His Face. The Christchurch Casino Comedy Cabaret Series (R20) this year features the comedic stylings of Sammy J and Randy from the 24 - 28 January.

If anything, the 2011 World Buskers Festival promises that you can leave the house at 10am and not return till midnight – having been amused and bemused all the way!

Event listed by Festival99

View their other events or contact promoter