Welcome to

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 prizegiving ceremony.  

This flagship event is now entering its 8th year and attracts 6000+ people to Banbridge town centre.


Busking Competition: 1:00pm - 4:30pm
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

BuskFood & CraftFest 

Banbridge Town Centre manager, Mechelle Brown, has commented “We are delighted to announce that this year’s BuskFest will have a truely international flavour with the introduction of the BuskFood and CraftFest taking place in Solitude park."

There will be over 30 gourmet food and ethnic craft stands on display - there will be tapas from Spain in the shape of Nash and Carmello direct from Catalonia, Kerala Kitchen and mouth watering flavours of southern Indian cooking and a full roasting pig from one of the most popular stalls The Spit and Pig. All palates are catered for with cupcakes and coffee, hand reared gourmet burgers and stone baked pizzas.

If you are looking for a special gift or an accessory piece then visit our numerous hand made jewellery,handbags,accessories and watches stalls. There are body art, bric a brac, vintage and contemporary toy and book stalls too - the BuskFood and CraftFest is the perfect accompaniment to the great sounds that will fill the air in the town.  

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 for the eighth year in succession.’

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.

Congratulations to the winners of BuskFest 2010:

• Overall – Johnny Brooks
• Best Individual – Warren Attwell
• Best Junior – Craig Lutton
• Best Band – Dr. Bodhran
• Best Street Performer – Michael McCullough
• Spirit of Buskfest – Chunk of Funk (sponsored by THE OUTLET)
• Special Commendation Prize - George Rice (sponsored by THE OUTLET)