BuskFest is an international busking festival which takes place in Banbridge, County Down, Northern Ireland. The event comprises an outdoor daytime busking competition followed by a prize giving ceremony in Banbridge town centre.

Busking Competition – 2 pm – 5 pm

Every year the streets of Banbridge town centre are full to capacity with hundreds of musicians, singers, bands, solo artists and street performers from across the globe entertaining large family crowds in the hope of winning a prize from the £3000 cash pot. 

The categories are as follows:-

• Overall winner
• Best Individual – Adult
• Best Junior
• Best Band
• Best Performance
• Spirit of Buskfest

Ralph McLean

‘If you haven’t yet visited BuskFest you are guaranteed a fantastic family day out. Enjoy the great atmosphere of the live music, dynamic street theatre, comedy and entertainment. As a music lover, I am delighted to be associated with BuskFest again this year.’

Ralph McLean BBC Radio Ulster, Buskfest Judge and compere.

MISSION STATEMENT

BuskFest showcases the wealth and diversity of musical talent and performing skills thriving from the local area and further afield.

We aim to make BuskFest the leading busking festival in Ireland through our professional approach to the organisation of the event and by proactively seeking innovative ways of developing the event.

We work in partnership with all sectors of our local community to ensure that the BuskFest event remains fully inclusive to all.

The event is organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

Congratulations to the winners of BuskFest 2024:

Overall winner                Banshee

Best Individual                Lisa Dawson

Best Band                        T.C.O.L

Best Junior                      Jarlaith Mervyn

Best Performance          Black Turf

Spirit of Buskfest            Ruairí Coffey

It couldn’t be easier to get to Banbridge, conveniently located just off the main A1 Belfast / Dublin route, 12 miles from Newry and 22 miles from Belfast. The town centre is easily accessible by car and public transport from Northern Ireland and the South of Ireland.

Transport
Public transport is available to and from Banbridge from across N.I and ROI. To help plan your route see Translink website. The bus station is located on Kenlis Street which is a short walk to the town centre and Buskfest.

Be part of BuskFest!

Buskfest 2024 was held on Saturday, 22^nd June 2024.

The date for 2025 will be announced in due course.

See also BuskFest on social media for updates.

2024  event information

Please note event prizes etc may vary year on year. This information is as a guide.

2024 Event Information as a reference guide 

There is a panel of judges who will individually judge buskers at their pitches.  We want to see you perform naturally and how you entertain the public so you may not know when you have been judged and it may be on more than one occasion throughout the afternoon.

Each judge will shortlist their favourite performers and the judging panel will re-visit each one to select the finalists.  At this stage you may or may not be told you are being judged.

WHAT THE JUDGES LOOK FOR

MUSICAL ABILITY:
Skill in your chosen instrument, voice or performance.

PASSION:
Do you enjoy performing? If so that will clearly come across.

ENJOY YOURSELF:
Pick songs that you know, that suit your voice or style or that you simply enjoy.

Just be yourself !  – that is what works best, if you are puttting on an act, it will show…

BE PROUD:
Busking is not easy. It takes real guts, so don’t worry if you’re nervous or make a
mistake. Your performance is what makes BuskFest a success – never forget that!

MISTAKES:
To err is human so if you falter, forget the words or drop your juggling balls, just carry on.

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE:
Show off your personality and remember to just be yourself.

AUDIENCE INTERACTION:
Be friendly, polite and show your sense of humour.

If you wish to contact the BuskFest team please email buskfest@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk and a member of the team will get back to you.