Entries for Narooma’s Regional Busking Championships and Festival on Saturday 25 May have been rolling in from across the region, from Canberra, Wollongong, Victoria and across south eastern NSW.
“Narooma will again buzz from the Plaza to the Flat, filled with about 150 happy performers and musicians playing all kinds of wonderful music,” said Festival spokesperson Lynda Ord
The Festival is hosted by Narooma Rotary Club, partnered with the River of Art, and is part of the Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC).
Ms Ord said so far Narooma Rotary has received about 42 busker entries with a few still on the way. The deadline has been extended until this Friday 17th to allow for the vagaries of the mail.
“Each act will play through the day at three or four of the 33 busker hot spots around town from the Plaza to the Flat and around to Forsters Bay. These spots are sponsored by the adjacent businesses with music ranging from country, blues, jazz and rock, to Scottish bagpipes, dancers, poets and belly dancers,” she said.
A programme detailing the location of each hot spot with a timetable for each act (9am-3pm) will be available online and on the day from information stalls opposite the Ice Creamery on the Flat and NATA Oval, and from the roving Busker Vote sellers each of whom will be wearing a Rotary vest.
Profiles of some of the registered buskers are on the website and on Facebook.
“Every spectator can vote for their favourite busker for the People’s Choice prize of $1,000 by buying a special busker vote from our sellers; each vote costs $1,” Ms Ord said.
“We count up the votes for each busker at the end of the day to determine the winner. The busker gets 10 cents from each $1 vote. If the purchaser writes their name on the back of each vote, they enter a lucky draw. Each busker keeps any coin they collect.”
Narooma’s six judges will be roaming around listening to all competitors throughout the day, with the overall winner’s prize also $1,000.
“We’re absolutely thrilled at how this festival continues to be embraced by our community,” Ms Ord said.
The Festival culminates with a free concert at Narooma Golf Club by finalists from 4pm with the presentation of prizes to follow.
Narooma Lions, Quota and VIEW Clubs will help Rotary on the day, as well as many other volunteers. However, more volunteers to help on the day would be most welcome. If you would like to help, please ring either John Rungen on 4476 5932 or Lynda Ord on 0412 168 115.
The ANBC is a national event with Narooma hosting one of the regional competitions. Winners at Narooma will be invited to compete in the National Grand Final in Cooma in November.
For more information, please check the website www.busking.naroomarotary.org.au or facebook.com/ANBC Narooma.
Above: A collage of some of the buskers who will be appearing at this year’s Narooma Busking Champiosnhips. Collage by Rachel McInnes
