Freeze Ya Bits Off Busking

Event Overview

When: Kings Birthday Weekend - Thursday 29 May - Sunday 1 June

Every year buskers take to the streets of Gore for literally the coolest busking competition in New Zealand.

Freeze Ya Bits Off Busking is one of the key events in the Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival and is set to grow even more.

Event Schedule

The Freeze Ya Bits Off Busking Competition spans four days on the streets of Gore, starting with local school performances on Thursday. Friday and Saturday bring electrifying street performances from top local and national buskers. The event wraps up on Sunday with the finale, where the top performers compete for cash prizes. Entry is free, so join us at the St James Theatre to enjoy top-tier live music in a warm, cosy setting!

Buskers can even get some radio experience and exposure on Friday afternoon with the crew at CaveFM.

Thursday

High Schools 11:00am – 12 noon
Primary Schools 12 noon – 1:00pm

Friday

Round one auditions: 10:00am – 12 noon
Round two auditions: 12 noon – 2:00pm

Saturday

Round three auditions: 10:00am – 12 noon
Round four auditions: 12 noon – 2:00pm

Sunday

Final: 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Prizes

The Freeze Ya Bits Off Busking Competition offers a total prize pool of $6,500, with cash prizes available across multiple categories—making it well worth entering!

Registration Details

To be eligible to compete in this competition and win prizes, you must be registered. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to register early. Registrations close 12 noon Tuesday 27 May. Register here.

Fees:

• Virtuoso Categories: $50
• Upcoming Artist Categories: $15 - $25
• Schools: free

Contact Information

Contact the Events team at [email protected] if you have any queries