This Saturday, Narooma again fills with music as 44 buskers take part in the third Narooma Regional Busking Championships.
It is hosted by Narooma Rotary as part of the Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC), and part of the River of Art.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase our local talent as well as see buskers from elsewhere,” said Festival coordinator John Rungen. “It wouldn’t happen without the generosity of sponsors and volunteers and the support of the community on the day.”
Each act performs at three or four of the 33 busker hot spots between 9 and 3.
Narooma business owners have sponsored spots in front of their businesses along Narooma’s main street, the Plaza and Forsters Bay, while those in outlying areas have spots on NATA Oval where there will also be large displays of collectors’ and new cars. A free bus can take people between venues (see map).
Above: There are multiple sites throughout the town, from Narooma bridge to the Narooma Plaza. A free hop on hop off bus will follow the route above
“It’s a great day where families can enjoy free entertainment from talented performers across all genres from country, blues, jazz and rock, to bagpipes, dancers, poets and belly dancers,” said Festival spokesperson Lynda Ord. “It also attracts many from outside our area.”
A programme showing hot spots with a busker timetable will be available online and on the day from information stalls opposite the Ice Creamery on the Flat and on NATA Oval, and from roving Busker Vote sellers wearing a Rotary vest.
Buskers will compete for $10,000 in prize money donated by local sponsors including Club Narooma, Narooma Golf Club, Easts Holiday Park, Ben Bate Real Estate, Montague Vets, Narooma High and Narooma Holidays.
“Everyone 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.
“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. Buskers keep any money they collect.”
Any profits go towards enhancing music and performance education in our area.
Narooma’s five judges determine the other prizes, including the $1,000 prize for the overall winner.
Judges are ANBC coordinator Alan Spencer, Shelby Grace, Lindsay Brown, Fiona Brown, and Ian Campbell of About Regional.
Free Concert at Golf Club
The Festival culminates with a free busker concert at Narooma Golf Club from 4pm followed by prize presentation.
Winners will be invited to compete in the national ANBC Final in Cooma in November.
Please check www.busking.naroomarotary.org.au or facebook.com/ANBC Narooma for more information.
Above: A collage of some of the 44 buskers who will be at this year’s Narooma Busking Championships. Collage by Rachel McInnes
