Freeze Ya Bits Off Busking

When: King's Birthday weekend 2024

Contact: Events Coordinator Jessica Swan

Every year at King’s Birthday weekend, buskers take to the streets of Gore for literally the coolest busking competition in New Zealand.

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

Held over three days, the event kicks off on Friday with local schools taking to the street to showcase all their hard work and singing talent. Saturday and Sunday see local and national performers bring their best for the crowds, with such passion and vibrancy that you can't help but get swept away by the electric atmosphere.

Everything comes to a head at the grand finale on Sunday, where our top finalists go head to head for major cash prizes. It is free to attend the final as an audience member, so come along to support your favourite artists (and thaw your bits out) at the cosy and warm St James Theatre.

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

There is a total prize pool of $6,000 and two prizes of $1,300, so it's well worth freezing your bits off and entering this event!