The Bread & Circus World Buskers Festival returns to Christchurch stages and street pitches from 19 – 28 January. What’s Hot New Zealand has done a deep dive into the jam-packed programme and come up with some acts that are sure to have you going O-M-G.

Wander in a labyrinth of light and colour, through tunnels and domes, while listening to the soothing sounds of untouched nature. The inflatable mazes of UK-based Architects of Air have transported international audiences of all ages to other worlds. This time they bring the 1000m2 Arborialis to Cathedral Square. It’s a place to wander, explore and relax.

WHERE: Cathedral Square

02 – The Bread & Circus Festival Gala

MC Guy Williams will need all his celebrated loud voice when the Festival Gala returns to the Isaac Theatre Royal. A combustible combination of some of the must-see acts and busking sensations from the festival is a guarantee of chaos. This show sold out last year so don’t delay.

WHERE: Isaac Theatre Royal

03 – SING IT!

Lubricate your tonsils at the bar before joining Trevor Jones and his band in a sing-along to the greatest pop and rock songs of all time. Even better, you can make your own suggestions for the night’s playlist here. It’s mass live karaoke! Accompanying Trevor at new venue The Church will be a host of fabulous guests to lead the choir.

WHERE: The Church

04 – The Charming Jay

Jisu Park is a magicians’ magician. At age 15, he joined a student magic society and by the time he was 20, he was teaching magic to others. He has since built a career as a professional magician, builder of illusions and teacher/mentor to newbies and tyros, including the lead actors in the movie The Magician. Jisu’s act blends classical stage magic with elegance, pizzazz and more than a bit of showmanship.

WHERE: Busking Pitches

05 – Buskers’ Comedy Club

Are we having fun yet? You will at the Buskers’ Comedy Club. The buskers will be staying up late and delighting adults-only audiences across the first Friday and Saturday nights of the festival. Again, get in early as tickets will sell out.

WHERE: The Church

06 – Punk the Clown

Louise Kerr is a local favourite at the festival, appearing in recent years as Sport Suzie. For 2024, she brings back Punk the Clown, who first appeared at the World Buskers Festival 16 years ago. It’s a brand-new show for Punk, who will attempt magic, juggling and circus tricks that she really should have practised first. And what’s with the attitude? It’s like the only thing rosy about Punk is her nose.

WHERE: Busking Pitches

07 – MulletMan & MiM

Bringing the circus to streets all over the world, MulletMan & MiM turn any busking pitch into a vibrant stage where acrobatics, juggling, contortion and even foot archery combine into a spellbinding street spectacle.

WHERE: Busking Pitches

08 – Estupida Compañia

From Uruguay and Argentina, festival first-timers Estupida Compañia blend freak show with comedy in a series of stunts that should not be tried at home. From walking on glass to knife-throwing and whip cracking, it’s a wild ride.

WHERE: Busking Pitches

09 – Gaku

The maestro of “Jugglingdrum”, performing in New Zealand for the first time, has 3.9 million followers on TikTok. Gaku’s mesmerising fusion of juggling and percussion has captivated audiences worldwide as well as the judges of several TV talent contests. No one else does what he does so grab this chance to see him live.

WHERE: Busking Pitches

10 – Leah Orleans – Tiny Girl Big Show!

The title says it all – Leah Orleans is short on stature and immense in talent. Trained in clowning, acrobatics and contortion by coaches from Ringling Brothers, Cirque du Soleil and Broadway, Leah blends classical technique with modern humour in a show of pure joy.

WHERE: Busking Pitches

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