Dozens of musicians and entertainers defied the deluge on Saturday as they vied to be recognised as Ballarat’s best busker, all while putting a smile on the faces of passersby.
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Nearly 200 performers braved the conditions to put on a show for people on the street in an effort to claim some of the $10,000 in prize money on offer.
Championship organiser Gary McKenzie said the breadth of talent on display across the Ballarat CBD was the most impressive part of the day.
“The first couple of hours were tough but the buskers were great, their spirits weren't dampened although their equipment might have been,” Mr McKenzie said. “Often we think of busking as just music but it was more than that, we had circus acts, magicians and the highland band.
“It’s very encouraging to get that full spectrum of performers, we even had seven and eight-year-olds playing out there.”
After a tough day trying to win over the eyes and ears of people on the streets, finalists were selected to deliver a final performance to a packed out crowd.
Saturday’s event was the second year Ballarat has played host to the regional championships, following the inaugural 2017 festival.
Traralgon’s Tim Scanlan was among the dozens of musicians who made the trek to Ballarat to perform in the championships.
Playing a style he described as ‘Celtic reggae’, Mr Scanlan said he was pleased to see the few pedestrians on the street stopping to engage with his music.
“There might only be one person that walks past at a time but that one person per song gives a little bit of a smile at least, and that’s all you really hope for on a day like this,” the musician said.
Mixed Up Everything, a group of four high school-aged brothers, were crowned open champions with their rendition of the Harry Chapin classic Cats In The Cradle, while Warrnambool teenager Flynn Gurry’s energetic performance was enough to see him earn the secondary title.
Young Melbourne blues musician Ned Moran was again able to wow the crowds with his skills, claiming the primary section for the second year running.
Ballarat girls Maggi Russell and Amelia Everard, who play until the title The Citrus Tarts, managed to take home $1000 after claiming the people’s choice award.
But it wasn’t just the musicians who managed to impress, with Ballarat youngster Aiden McHarg earning the title of best street performer with his work as an illusionist.
Competition winners will now prepare for the national finals which are held in Cooma, New South Wales later this year.
