Banbridge tunes up for BuskFest

Lord Mayor Darryn Causby, Events Officer Leah Duncan and Assistant Events Officer Danielle Fegan tune up for the 2015 Busk Fest in Banbridge on 27th June ©Edward Byrne Photography 1522-203EB

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Darryn Causby was in Banbridge town to sing the praises of Banbridge BuskFest 2015 which takes place on Saturday June 27.

Now in its twelfth year, Banbridge BuskFest is regarded as the highlight of the busking calendar in Northern Ireland, attracting huge international interest and putting the Borough firmly on the musical map.

Speaking at the launch the Lord Mayor said, “I am delighted to be launching the 12th annual Banbridge BuskFest. This increasingly popular annual event is a great achievement for Banbridge town centre and the Borough as a whole, giving musicians from near and far the opportunity to showcase their talents.”

The competition, which runs from 1pm to 4.30pm, offers cash prizes of between £250 and £1000 which will be awarded in a number of categories including Overall Winner, Best Individual, Best Band, Best Junior Performer, Best Performance, sponsored by Banbridge Chamber of Commerce and the ‘Spirit of BuskFest’ prize, which is sponsored by The Outlet, Banbridge.

This year the Overall Winner will also be given the opportunity to perform at the prestigious Sunflowerfest which runs from 31 July – 2 August 2015.

Once the judges have selected the winners everyone is invited to Solitude Park where they will be entertained by local singer-songwriter and BBC’s The Voice contestant Daniel Duke from 4.30pm as they eagerly await the final results and prize giving ceremony.

As well as an abundance of marvellous musical entertainment, a host of other fun activities will be on offer including free face painting and balloon modelling or why not call in the ‘Banbridge Art Box’ and take part in a free drop-in musical workshop, guaranteed to keep everyone entertained.

With over 40 acts already on board to perform at BuskFest there’s still time to get involved right up until the morning of the event with performers able to register for free between 9.30am and 11.30am on Saturday June 27 at the Old Town Hall, Scarva Street, Banbridge.

Further details about BuskFest including competition rules and registration are available from the event website at www.buskfest.com and on www.facebook.com/buskfest