Buskers will fill Melbourne’s iconic streets with live music once again, as the City of Melbourne continues its focus on reigniting the CBD.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Council will pay street entertainers to put on more than 30 performances every week until the end of the year.
“Busking is as synonymous with Melbourne as coffee and laneways – contributing to our world-renowned vibrant street culture,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Harnessing the talent of our local buskers is just another way we’re bringing back the buzz. I can’t wait to have a dance as music fills the streets.
“We’re calling on entertainers with all sorts of skills to reignite Melbourne with colour, laughter and music – from dancers and poets, to live painters, jugglers and human statues.
“I hope to see plenty of musicians and entertainers grabbing a spot in the city, as we’ve extended our waivers on busking permit fees. More than 1200 performers have active busking permits and are ready to serenade the city.”
Performances will take place from Thursdays to Sundays between 10am and 7pm at iconic locations including Bourke Street Mall, Southbank Promenade, and the chess board on Swanston Street. Little Collins Street will also be closed off to traffic for lunchtime performances at the Swanston Street intersection.
Creative Melbourne portfolio lead Councillor Jamal Hakim said there are still performance slots available in the program.
“We want to give a range of performers a platform – from established buskers to emerging artists who have been fine-tuning their acts in their bedrooms for the better part of the year.
“There is still time for buskers to throw their hat in the ring. Our city can be Australia’s largest open air performance space and we’re inviting everyone back to enjoy live performances again.
“Buskers, please come and perform in our incredible city and make Melbourne your stage!”
Interested buskers can express their interest via the . Upcoming acts will be regularly updated on the .
