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 £3500 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

Junior Competition
Entrants must be 17 years and under

Individual Competition
Entrants must be aged 18 +

COMPETITION ENTRY
1.Buskfest 2025 will take place on Saturday, 14^th June 2025.
2. Any performer arriving later than 1.00pm will not be judged as part of the competition but may be allocated a pitch to perform, if available.
3. Children must be accompanied by an adult at the time of registration and throughout the event.
4. Competitors may enter the Junior competition only if the oldest performer in their group is 17 years of age or younger.
5. No act can be entered in both the Junior and Open categories.
6. No act can enter either category more than once. For example a competitor may not enter the competition as a soloist and then also enter the same competition as part of a group.

BUSKING
7.You are required to busk from 2pm-5pm at your pitch
8. The content of your act must not be in breach of any law or copyright and should adhere to the rules of common decency.
9. Any act that the judges deem to be dangerous, offensive or otherwise inappropriate will be asked to stop and will be withdrawn from the competition.
10. No mains powered amplification is allowed. The judges may ask buskers using battery-powered amplification to turn down their volume.
11. No pre-recorded backing tracks are permitted.

JUDGING
12. You may not be aware that you are being judged as this will be done anonymously at different times throughout the afternoon.
13. The judges decision is final. No discussion will be entered into.

PRIZE GIVING
14.All competitors must be at the Prize Giving Ceremony in the town centre at 5.30 pm to take part in the prize giving event.
15. The Winners may be invited to perform on stage so please ensure that you have your instrument(s) with you.
16. All Junior performers must be accompanied by an adult to allow the prize winning cheque to be issued.

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.

Banbridge town centre map

For information on parking, toilets and street locations please refer to the Banbridge map which is available here 

Be part of BuskFest!

Buskfest 2025 will take place on Saturday, 14^th June 2025.

See also BuskFest on social media for updates.

2025  event information

Please note event prizes etc may vary year on year. However the confirmed prizes for 2025 are as follows:

More about the Eats and Beats Festival

The Eats and Beats Festival is a vibrant, free weekend celebration of food, music, and community, set against the stunning backdrop of the Mourne Mountains in Newcastle, County Down. Scheduled for Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September 2025, the festival offers a rich tapestry of local flavors and diverse musical performances.

The festival features two dynamic stages—Homegrown and World—showcasing an eclectic mix of local and international artists. Attendees can enjoy performances from acts such as Brian Kennedy, Paddy Casey, The Skallions, Stephen Rafferty, and Clare Sands.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in a diverse selection of locally crafted cheeses, baked goods, gourmet street food, and fresh seafood. The festival will also host live cookery demonstrations by renowned chefs, including TV chef Jenny Bristow and Great British Menu chefs Paul Cunningham and Melissa McCabe.

Please see this link for more info.

2025 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.