Top line-up for World Buskers’ Festival

News release
10 September 2007

Topp twins among top line-up for World Buskers’ Festival, Christchurch

New Zealand’s favourite twins Lynda and Jools Topp will be among the talented international line-up helping Christchurch’s World Buskers’ Festival (WBF) celebrate its 15th birthday in January next year.

The twins have confirmed they will perform at next year’s festival, which will run from January 17 to 27, 2008 and feature 25 international and 15 national acts chosen for their ability to captivate and titillate audiences young and old.

“Next year will be the 15th year Christchurch has hosted the World Buskers’ Festival and public enthusiasm for the event hasn’t waned at all – in fact it’s grown stronger. People love the festival because it is accessible, it appeals to all ages, and it gives people a chance to relax, laugh and just enjoy themselves,’’ says festival director Jodi Wright.

In fact research commissioned by the Christchurch City Council suggests the WBF is the most popular of Christchurch’s festivals, with many citing it as an icon event for the city.

An economic impact study of the 2007 Buskers Festival done by Australian-based economic research company IER found it contributed more than $3.1 million in direct spending to the Christchurch economy, with visitors from overseas contributing more than half of that amount.

“We know the festival has a very loyal following among Christchurch residents and that it also attracts many out-of-town visitors, which is why each year we pull together the best possible line-up of talent. Some of the old favourites will be back for next year’s festival but we’ve also got a lot of new acts coming that I’m sure people are going to love,’’ Jodi Wright says. “We want to mark our 15th year in style.’’

Among the acts already confirmed for next year’s festival are The Chipolatas, from the UK, the Tumble Circus, who are performing at the Dublin Fringe Festival this month, the Two Sopranos, from Wales, the Daredevil Chicken Club, from the US, and the Piano Juggler, also from the US.

Some new venues have been selected for next year’s festival. The festival will venture to the seaside suburb of Sumner for the first time and also have a strong presence in Victoria Square beside the Town Hall and river Avon, in central Christchurch.

“It’s going to be a great 10 days – mark it in your calendar now. If you’re thinking of coming to Christchurch the festival is a great time to do it. The city really comes alive and frankly there’s no better place to be. Where else in the world can you see so many of the best street performers gathered together for free?’’ Jodi Wright says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media