Musical mavericks and entertainer extraordinaires will have their chance to battle it out for a share of $10,000 next year.
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The Ballarat regional final of the Australian National Busking Championships will take place on March 24, hosted by the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast.
The 2017 edition of the event saw more than 100 buskers take to the streets, with an estimated 5,000 spectators soaking in the spectacle. Fourty-nine per cent of the buskers involved this year were from Ballarat, with acts originating from as far away as Japan and Belgium.
Festival director Garry McKenzie said he hoped to see a greater number of buskers and patrons next year.
“We’re definitely hoping for more local interest this year, so we’re actually conducting a workshop here in February,” he said.
“We’d like to see 100 different acts this year, and Ballarat is big enough to accommodate that.
“This event is a platform of opportunity for the people involved, they can get out there and it’s their day, people aren’t just passing them.
“Particularly for students the experience is great, it will just help these young people and give them opportunities.”
Money raised from the people’s choice award next year will go toward the Say No To Family Violence campaign.
The Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast have requested a one-year, $10,000 Ballarat City Council community grant to assist with promotion of the event and venue hire.
Council officers have made the recommendation that the $10,000 grant be approved at council’s ordinary meeting on Wednesday night.
Mr McKenzie said while the organisation is committed to hosting the regional final, running it without the grant could prove difficult.
“If we don’t get it, it could be in serious doubt,” he said. “We are committed to running it but without we’ll be running at a loss.”
“Less people coming is the flow on effect if we don’t advertise. If people don’t hear about it, we’ll have to rely on word of mouth.”
Ballarat school students will have the opportunity to tune up their skills with a free busking basics workshop to be held on February 10.
This year’s Australian National Busking Champion and Buninyong resident Geoffrey Williams, Existdance owner Jami Blomeley and internationally acclaimed magician Barry Govan will be on hand to mentor young performers and improve their audience rapport.
Students can register for free at www.buskingballarat.com.au.