The Entrance came alive to the sound of music on Sunday, September 24, as dozens of entertainers took to the stage to compete in the Central Coast heat of the Australian National Busking Competition.
The Rotary Clubs of Erina and The Entrance were joined by West Pennant Hills-Cherrybrook and Kariong-Somersby Rotary clubs to host the event, with performers including everything from a classical pianist busking for the first time to a seasoned 17-year-old talent spotted when she was 14 by ABC’s Unearthed.
“We had a great richness of performances including a unique and dazzling Vietnamese-Australian fusion group, VACEO, playing traditional indigenous instruments from Vietnam and Australia,” a spokesperson said.
The performances were held in and around Memorial Park, the Boardwalk, the Plaza and Marine Pde, with Fairground Entertainment and the ever-popular Pelican Express little blue train rides offering family fun.
The freshly renovated Memorial Park stage hosted the finale concert featuring the buskers who had been selected as finalists during their morning performances by the judges and the audience.
“The concert was a big hit – I loved looking around and seeing the little tots on their feet dancing, and the dads stretched out in the sun,” the spokesperson said.
Last year’s National Champions, the James Brothers, were joined by CoastFM DJ Rhia Norcott and founder of the Australian National Busking Championships Allan Spencer to undertake the formal judging.
The Adult winner was Owen Smith, with runner-up VACEO.
Hayden Phillis took out the 13-17 Years division, with runner-up Eva Pagacova.
The Under-13 division was won by Belle Norman.
Jacob Carroll won the People’s Choice Award.
The event was supported by a Central Coast Council grant for event infrastructure and a number of sponsors.
Each category winner, including the People’s Choice winner, will automatically gain an invitation to compete at the National Finals in Cooma on Saturday, November 25, for the opportunity to become this year’s National Champion.
Source:
Rotary Club of Erina