Ben OsborneStreet entertainment in York has taken another step forward with the launch of York’s very first festival celebrating street performance, Buskival. Launched yesterday by City of York Council, this new event is sponsored by city centre retailer, HomeSense and will take place on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 June between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm at 12 different city centre locations.
Busking pitches around York during the Diamond Jubilee weekend, which will form an easy path for members of the public to follow and enjoy the music, entertainers and magicians, with over 50 buskers across the city. To add to the occasion and put the festival into Buskival, some award winning street performers have also been specially invited to perform during the weekend.
Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion Sonja Crisp said, “This event celebrates the fantastic and diverse range of street entertainment we have in the city. York’s busking community is preparing to wow audiences with their talents.”
As part of the two-day festival there will be a competition for members of the public to choose their favourite amateur busker. The winning artist will win £200 and there will also be runner-up prizes for second and third place.
Richard Andrews, store manager of HomeSense said, “We’re very proud to be sponsoring this new festival and to be part of something which will bring even more colour, interest and vibrancy to our city centre. Residents and visitors will be able to see the great range of talented street performers the city has to offer.”
Rob Roy Collins, award winning escape artist, street performer and York resident said, “This is a fantastic opportunity to see some truly world class street performers from York, Covent Garden and around the world right here in the city. We hope that as many people as possible will come out and support these visiting performers and the best of our local acts in what will be great event for the city on a memorable weekend.”
Buskival is one of the many events of York 800, a series of events for residents, visitors and businesses, to celebrate the 800th anniversary of York becoming a self-governing city.
To enter the competition buskers must have a current and valid busking licence for York. For more information contact Debbie Bell, City of York Council debbie.bell@york.gov.uk or call 01904 552270.
