The hunt is on for Tasmania’s next street performance star in the inaugural Launceston Busking Competition, with cash prizes up for grabs.
Musicians, comedians, dancers, human statues, jugglers and artists are being invited to showcase their talents by entering a submission to the competition.
The ten best submissions will be selected by a panel of judges to compete at a public event in Launceston’s CBD on Saturday, May 14.
The winners will ultimately be judged by the general public, with an $800 first prize, a $500 second prize and a $200 third prize.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the competition would shine a spotlight on the talents of Northern Tasmanians.
“It takes a lot of bravery to perform in public spaces, to put yourself out there to entertain passersby,” Mayor van Zetten said.
“In large cities across the globe, professional street performers showcase their talents through live music, performance art, magic, comedy and many other art forms, and busking has been a long-lived tradition in many of Launceston’s public spaces.
“The Launceston Busking Competition is challenging street performers right here in Northern Tasmania, and indeed across the State, to see if they’ve got what it takes to impress our judging panel. “We hope the competition will unearth emerging young talent, but also lure some of those more experienced performers out of retirement. “Ultimately we hope to see this competition culminating in a day of entertainment in Launceston’s CBD on Saturday, May 14, when the top ten finalists will literally have to earn their keep from the general public in order to claim victory.”
Online applications are open until 5pm, Thursday April 14.
