The buskers are here just in time to beat off the back to work blues. 2013 is the 20th year of the popular annual World Buskers Festival and for the next 10 days (17-27 January 2013) expect to hear giggling, chortling and a few snorts rising from Busker Park (aka North Hagley Park). If the roars of laughter coming from the launch at The Press Club last night are anything to go by, this year’s festival is must-see entertainment.
As always the festival features the best local and international acts. Be entertained by USA’s street dancing stand-up comedians – Blackstreet Boyz and El Gleno Grande’s circus antics (both perform from 18-27 January at various times & locations). Japanese superstars, Gamarjobat perform their silent comedic act from 17-22 January, 7pm, at The Press Club, Busker Park. Having performed in the early years of the Buskers Festival, The Flying Dutchmen return with their aerial antics, juggling and sarcasm (17-27 January, various times & locations).
There are numerous kiwi acts including our national treasures, The Topp Twins. You can find their unique country music comedy at Busker Park (Comedy Club & SCIRT Stage) on 17 & 18 January.
Keith ‘The Numbers’ Preene hosts Golden Goose Bingo at Gap Filler’s Summer Pallet Pavilion (18-26 January, 8pm). Enjoy a hilarious walk through kiwiana’s back catalogue coupled with an action packed game of bingo (prizes included!).
Last year’s Press critics’ choice award winner, Card Ninja Jarvier Jarquin performs his unique blend of comedy and ninja-ry at the Grand Café, Christchurch Casino from 17-26 January.
NZ’s Rubberband Boy is back! This year in his rubber arsenal is ‘The One Man Band’ – a musical instrument powered by, you guessed it! As well as a telephone, country calendar, target shooting, a pogostick and of course the routine that has made him famous worldwide and earned him several Guinness World Records – the Rubberband Boy will have you in stitches with his sharp wit and ridiculous antics.
Lastly, but by no means least! South African born NZ comic, Urzila Carlson hosts Nothing But Stand Up each night in The Big Top at Busker Park (17-26 January, 7.30pm). Be entertained by some of Australasia’s best comedians with an eclectic array of stand-up comedy.
Check out all 60 acts from 11 countries at www.worldbuskersfestival.com.
View TV3′s video Buskers return to central city.
Get your tickets
The Busker Park bookings booth is open now. It is cash only, but Westpac will be onsite from 18 January providing ATM facilities. Door sales are available on the night, but to make sure you get in, get your tickets earlier in the day.
You’ll also find food vendors, bars, parking and a market at Busker Park along with the booth of miss information! Busker performances are also held at Gap Filler’s Summer Pallet Pavilion, Christchurch Casino, Re:START, Christchurch Polytechnic Student Association (CPSA), YMCA conference room and the New Brighton Basketball Court.