Geraldton performers encouraged to take part in Regional Sounds’ busking competition

A Geraldton-based organisation dedicated to helping grow artists in the Mid West is to host its first busking competition. Coinciding with 2024’s final cruise ship arrival in the city on Saturday December 7, Regional Sounds will station artists across the CBD to help them get a start in the industry. Arts development officer Sarah Hinton said the idea drew inspiration from a range of places. “I had about three or four local musicians ask about the concept, and they got me to look up the Lancelin Buskers Festival,” she said. “It’s quite popular in Europe as well, and I thought it wouldn’t be too hard to organise.” Regional Sounds aims to show busking as a way for performers to diversify their income, and to bring vibrancy to the CBD. Partnerships with the city of Greater Geraldton and Bendigo Bank have been secured to help bring the project to life. About 12 acts will be dispersed across the CBD, with each performer looking to earn tokens handed out by members of the public to win the people’s choice award, which comes with a prize of $500. Ms Hinton said it was an easy way for up-and-coming artists to get exposure. “It’s a community stage, no one’s paying for a ticket, so it’s a free performance,” she said. “But there’s an opportunity to diversify their income because buskers can also sell copies of their published music or merch. “Being part of the competition is they’ll go on our program with links to any social media or songs they’ve already produced.” All forms of busking are encouraged, including stilt-walking and mime. Tokens to award to the acts will be able to be bought on the day at the cruise hub.