Mark your calendars! The finals of the 11th
Australian National Busking Championships will be held in Cooma on Saturday 26th November, 2022.
30 incredibly talented finalists from around the country are expected to flock to Cooma for the festivities, with special guest judges, James Blundell and Oz Bayldon, along with rapidly rising country star, Lily Grace, set to perform on stage at a brand
new night time show.
Now in its 11th year, the ANBC celebrates the rich diversity of Australian Music & Street Performance Culture and is held in various locations around the country, culminating in the national grand final in Cooma. The winner will receive the title of Australian National Busking Champion along with substantial prize monies and a chance to perform at Gympie Muster.
The festival will commence at 9.30am with finalists performing around the town and the final judging to be held at 2.30pm on stage in Cooma Centennial Park. The talent on show in this year’s festival are from around Australia ensuring the festival will be the best yet with thousands of spectators expected.
Markets, street entertainers, free workshops and a Snow FM outdoor broadcast will add to the festive spirit. Spectators will be given the opportunity to purchase tokens to show their support for their favourite buskers, as well as go into the draw to win 2 x 4 Day Passes to Gympie Muster 2023. The tokens will contribute towards the People’s Choice Awards, with all proceeds donated to Cooma Community Chest.
An exciting new feature to the program is an
evening show to be held at Alpine Hotel, (sponsors of the major busking prize) to celebrate the performers and the national event being held in Cooma. With performances by James Blundell and son Briar, Lily Grace and winning buskers, it will be a fabulous night for all to enjoy. To avoid disappointment bookings are recommended with a $10 fee that will be donated to Cooma Community Chest charity, or you can take a risk with FREE entry on the night at the door.
The Australian National Busking Competition and Gympie Muster have played an important role in supporting emerging Australian artists. Both events are praised for their part in discovering award-winning Australian artist,
Tones And I, after she was discovered at the Noosa busking event. And more recently, Lily Grace, who at 16 has hit over 1M live streams with her latest single and recently travelled to the US performing to a festival audience of 40,000 and making important contacts in Nashville.
“We are proud to hold the final in Cooma and are fortunate this year to host legendary country artist James Blundell and Oz Bayldon (Operations Manager of Gympie Muster) as guest judges and a performance by rising star Lily Grace. At 14 Lily won the busking competition in Stanthorpe which led to meeting James Blundell who has become a mentor and strong supporter including recording single ‘Annie June’ together and Oz invited Lily to the Muster Main Stage in 2022”, says ANBC founder, Allan Spencer.
No doubt, this is a day in Cooma not to be missed!
