Putting the smile back in Christchurch
07 Dec 2010
World Buskers Festival - Christchurch
20 - 30 January, 2011
The world’s top buskers are lining up for a festival that promises to lift spirits in Christchurch, and get 2011 underway on a positive note for the earthquake-torn region.
Street performers from all over the world will join New Zealand acts for the 18th World Buskers Festival in January when Christchurch city’s streets and public places become a stage for a variety of vibrant and daring shows.
A Brazilian clown, half-naked Australian chef, American knife-thrower, Canadian fire tamers, circus acts, contortionists, musicians and theatre performers are amongst the entertainers lining up for the 10-day festival.
Topp Twins
New Zealand’s country-music comedy duo The Topp Twins are amongst the 50-strong list of entertainers that will present 500 shows during the festival.
Lynda and Jools Topp have performed around the world for more than 25 years, and last year released an autobiographical documentary film that won international awards and became New Zealand’s all-time most popular documentary.
Comedian Sam Wills, The Blackstreet Boys and the Daredevil Chicken Club are returning to Christchurch for the 2011 festival.
Last year the Daredevil Chicken Club duo Anne Goldmann and Jonathan Taylor from the USA were voted best international act in The Press Critics’ Choice Award. They say they are thrilled to be coming back in 2011, for what will be their fifth Christchurch festival.
"Of all the performances we do worldwide, Christchurch is the one we love the most. It’s hard to get selected for Christchurch because it is the world’s best and the bar is set very high," said Taylor.
Change of mood
Directors Jodi Wright and Jo Blair say the festival has developed each year with a steady increase in crowd numbers and a continuing rise in the calibre of the acts.
They say that performers love every moment of the popular festival and can’t believe how supportive and animated Christchurch crowds are.
The event provided a noticeable change to the mood of the city and each year got bigger and better, Wright said.
The 2011 event will have added attractions like double the number of musical acts, as well as some new venues.
A night-time venue has been introduced in Cathedral Square where a late night ‘Buskers Burlesque Show’ will be held each night from 21 - 29 January. Wright says the show will be "a little bit risqué, a little bit naughty and lots of fun".
2011 World Buskers Festival line-up
New acts for the 2011 World Buskers’ Festival include:
- The Half-Naked Chef (Australia) - spoof TV cook
- Jack Dagger (USA) - the ‘King of Fling’ wields knives, tomahawks, and whips
- Jessica Arpin (Brazil) - international clown
- Les Walkyries (Canada) - fire-taming artists
- Pedro Tachos (Portugal) - television star clown
- Sammy J & Randy (Australia) - comedy award-winning duo
- Asher Treleaven (Australia) - comedian and circus performer
- Jonathan Burns (USA) - contortionist, performs magic and sideshow stunts.
More information
Curtain falls on 2010 World Buskers’ Festival
Busking fests keep New Zealand entertained
New Zealand - Summer 2010 / 2011 events
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