The Wingham CBD is the place to be on Saturday, April 11 when the town's first Busker Muster takes place on Isabella Street.
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The busking competition has attracted 25 entrants, the youngest being only eight years old, and the oldest in his 80s.
"We've had a really good response," organiser Bill Beach said. "I was keen to get people who have never performed in public before."
Most of the buskers are from Wingham and Taree, with some from Gloucester and Forster, and most of them are musicians.
Bill was originally hoping to have a mix of musicians, dancers, circus performers, bush poets and stand up comedians.
The buskers will be split into two groups, with both groups performing two half-hour sets, starting from 10am and finishing at 12pm.
"We've had great co-operation from the shops. Some of them will be providing power where needed," Bill said.
Registration for entrants takes place from 9am in front of Wingham Newsagents.
The public can vote for first, second and third places, with prizes being $200, $100 and $50 respectively. Winners will be announced at noon.
The winner will also be given a gig at the 2021 Akoostik Music Festival, and Wingham Memorial Services Club is also offering a gig at the club for the winner.
Plans are for the Wingham Busker Muster to become a annual event. Organisers have been in touch with the Australian National Busking Championships and are hopeful of being included in the championship circuit.
The Busker Muster is an initiative of the Wingham Chamber of Commerce.
Julia Driscoll
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
