The Mount Busking Festival is back after a brief break. The festival will take place on Maunganui Road during the King’s Birthday weekend, featuring local performers. This event has been a popular attraction in the seaside area until 2019. The Mount Business Association, also known as Mount Mainstreet, is bringing it back for everyone to enjoy.
The festival, which spans across two days, invites locals from Tauranga and beyond to explore downtown while enjoying various entertainments. On Sunday, June 2, from 12pm to 5pm, and Monday, June 3, from 9am to 12pm, attendees can expect to see musicians and circus performances.
Performers include The Hittmen with their unique drumming style and DJ Matt Bizzle with his solo sax performances. Local favorites like Louie Campbell, Finn Curtis, Josh Pow, and Bridget Morgan will also be there, performing both new and old hits. Other entertainments include Ringmaster Rowan from Circus In A Flash performing stunts on a unicycle, magician Steve London, and juggler Crazy Jase from Butler Circus Warehouse.
On Monday afternoon, there will be a workshop for kids by Circus In A Flash, where they can learn to juggle, spin plates, hula hoop, poi spin, and more. The festival will take place at five different locations, with both amateur and professional entertainers performing. The full set list and map will be released closer to the event date.
Michael Clark, Mount Mainstreet’s destination manager, said the local community has fond memories of past Mount Busking Festivals. The decision to revive the festival was easy, especially considering it supports local artists and performers. He added that they hope to make it an annual event that everyone can enjoy.
Attendees are encouraged to support their favorite performers by making cash or coin donations on the day. They can also donate electronically using the individual QR codes that many of the performers will have through The Buskers Project. The King’s Birthday long weekend is a great opportunity to explore downtown, whether you choose to stay in one location or move between different spots.
