Top tips for buskers

The anticipation is building with over 40 acts already registered and hoping to be in with a chance of winning a prize from the amazing £3000 cash pot.

Music fans can expect over 80 different performers to take to the streets between 1.00pm and 4.30pm. The entertainment continues in Solitude Park from 4.30pm where Allison McGrath and Soulantics will have the crowd boogying whilst the judges deliberate, before the prize giving ceremony begins and the winners are announced.

Performers will compete in a number of categories including Overall Winner, Best Individual, Best Band, Best Performance, Best Junior Performer and the ‘Spirit of BuskFest’ prize, which is sponsored by The Outlet.

The festival always presents an international flavour and this year is no different attracting performers from as far afield as Italy, Spain and Majorca who have already booked their pitch.

Once again, the performer crowned Overall Winner will be given the opportunity to perform at the prestigious Sunflowerfest, held at Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough from 22-25 August 2014.

Last year’s Overall Winners, Worn Down Shoes, wowed the music loving masses at the festival and the band’s talented lead guitarist Neil McCague kindly agreed to pass on his top tips for busking to this year’s BuskFest entrants:

1. Practice Practice Practice - Whatever you are performing, try to ensure that you are as well prepared as possible so that you can concentrate on performing and not remembering.

2. Weather - Always be ready for rain; it’s rarely too far away! Think of ways to protect your equipment i.e. plastic covers (or ponchos) so that a shower does not end your day’s busking.

3. Spares - Whether you are playing music or doing street theatre, think of spare items that you can bring just in case - e.g. for guitarists this could include spare strings, batteries, cables, etc.

4. Make a List - List all the songs or parts of your planned busk and have it nearby; this way you won’t forget a gem in the heat of the moment.

5. Enjoy! - Busking is about meeting people, improving confidence and providing great atmosphere so go out there and HAVE FUN! Winning is nice but enjoying the day and improving your craft are even better reasons to enter.

It’s not too late to get on board for BuskFest 2014. Performers can still register online at www.buskfest.com or in person between 9.30am and 11.30am on Saturday 21st June at the Old Town Hall, Scarva Street, Banbridge.

Further details about BuskFest, rules of the competition and how to register are all available on the official website at www.buskfest.com and on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/buskfest.