Chill no deterrent to busking songbirds from schools

Otago Daily Times

29-05-2025

Schools in Gore gathered up their very best songbirds and hit the streets, singing and performing for the hundreds of people who came out to support them or just found themselves in the middle of a bit of musical wonder yesterday. Pictured: Singers from St Mary's School. PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG
Yesterday's weather at the "Freeze Ya Bits Off" busking competition in Gore helped the annual event live up to its name, with chilly temperatures making it a real test for the buskers.
But that did not prevent the event attracting a big turnout of people to watch the local schools perform.
The buskers' festival is a four-day extravaganza, with musicians piling on to the streets of Gore for honour, glory, and, of course, coins.
Yesterday, the event began with local high school and primary school choirs leading the way with their performances and choreography.
Gore District Council events co-ordinator Florine Potts called it a fantastic start.
"It went really, really well. We had such a great turnout today with both students and supporters."
She said over 500 people came out to watch the various schoolchildren sing along to hit classics.
"Quite a few people who were walking stopped and listened, too. It was really great."
Last year, the schools portion of the buskers' event was canned due to a teachers only day, but this year everything was in harmony, including the weather, even if it was a bit cool.
Waikaka School took the big win, $500, a trophy for its efforts and a spot to perform in the final busking auditions on Sunday. Mataura Primary won $250 for second place.
Ms Potts said it was a tough competition, the schools having brought their very best to the streets of Gore.
"It all sounded really good. I loved how much effort the schools put into learning dances.
"I saw a lot of country hats — they absolutely brought out their best," she said.
Next for the busking competition are the audition rounds, for top local and national street musicians, who flock on to the streets to perform.
The event wraps up on Sunday with the finale, where the top performers compete for cash prizes while being judged by professionals and the public. Performances are judged on musical talent, stage presence and audience engagement.