World Buskers Festival Sets Christchurch Abuzz

World Buskers Festival Sets Christchurch Abuzz

An economic impact study of the World Buskers Festival should shed new
light on the benefits the 10-day event brings to Christchurch.

But anecdotal evidence from business, tourism and civic leaders already
suggests the event, which officially wraps up today, has provided a welcome boost for the city.

Despite the inclement weather festival director Jodi Wright is confident audience numbers will be as good, if not better, than last year when 250,000 people attended 447 shows over the 11 nights and 10 days of the festival.

“The weather hasn’t been great but it hasn’t stopped people from coming out and enjoying themselves. We’ve had really strong crowds again this year which shows just how much pulling power this festival has,’’ Ms Wright said.

“People love it. They love the chance to get out and just have a good laugh.’’

Ms Wright said the festival not only raised the spirits of locals but also brought visitors to the city. An economic impact study of this festival would help quantify its value to Christchurch.

Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce chief executive Peter Townsend
said he had paid close attention to the Buskers Festival this year and
was convinced Christchurch had benefited significantly from it.

"There's no doubt at all that what we have is a world class event . . .
I'm strongly supportive of seeing it cement its place in the annual
events calendar."

Mr Townsend said the Buskers Festival changed the face of the central
city:

"When the Buskers are in town the central city buzzes. There's an
atmosphere of fun and frivolity that just lifts the central city.''
If that atmosphere could be replicated in the central city year-round,
it would be a wonderful achievement

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism chief executive Ian Bougen said the central city _ already the focal point for visitors because of its key attractions and importance as a retail and business hub – was energized during the Buskers Festival.

“Internationally-acclaimed events such as the World Buskers Festival add another dimension to the city for visitors. They enjoy the vibrancy and vitality of the festival and it encourages them to plan a trip here and to stay longer,’’ Mr Bougen said.

Mayor Garry Moore was also full of praise for the festival and proclaimed Jodi Wright and her team as “treasures’’ that Christchurch should cherish.

“When the whole city engages in belly laughs you know it’s been a successful event. People are laughing and that is really good for all our health,’’ Mr Moore said.

The World Buskers Festival is in its 14th year and has become a popular drawcard for tourists. Tourists (67% of the audience surveyed last year) indicated that they would stay longer in Christchurch because of the festival, enjoying the unique, authentic and memorable experience of the WBF.

NOTE: BECAUSE RAIN FORCED THE CANCELLATION OF FRIDAY NIGHT’S COMEDY CLUB AN EXTRA SHOW IS BEING STAGED ON MONDAY NIGHT IN THE NORTH QUAD OF THE ARTS CENTRE. ENTRY IS BY DONATION. THE SHOW STARTS AT 7PM, WITH THE DOORS OPENING AT 5.30PM.

ENDS

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