Where performers take to the streets

Every January, locals and tourists head to conventional and non-conventional performance spaces in Christchurch, New Zealand, to catch the best 'busker' talent in the business as part of the World Buskers Festival.


Canadian Peter Jarvis, who performs under the name Silver Elvis, at the
World Buskers Festival 2007, in Christchurch, New Zealand. Pic/AFP

The festival, scheduled to run from January 20 to January 30, 2011 will feature 50 international artistes in over 500 performances.

What started off as a gathering of buskers -- another word for street performers -- back in 1994 by Jodi Wright, has expanded as a term to include the likes of stand-up comics, burlesque dancers, jugglers, and fire tamers from around the world, including the US, UK and Canada.

The acts are hand-picked by festival organisers, who travel the globe in search of talent. Popular acts include The BlackStreet Boyz: a duo, who incorporate comedy into their synchronised dance routine, and The Daredevil Chicken Club, comprising a daring husband-wife duo known for their entertaining and bizarre performances.

New acts include Steve 'Woko' Jackson (aka The Half Naked Chef), who spoofs televisions cooks through live cooking demos, and the Buskers Burlesque that will mark the festival's foray in to the art of the tease. With the exception of a few acts, which specify a minimum 'donation', the performances are free. Other popular Buskers festivals are hosted in Italy and Canada.

The World Buskers Festival 2011 is scheduled to run from 20 January to 30 January.
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