First-time busker 15-year-old Maverick Leslie-Fitch took out the People’s Choice accolade at the Central Coast heat of the Australian National Busking Competition held at The Entrance on September 29.
People’s Choice runner-up was Kassidy Lalor.
This was the third year of the popular event with crowds enjoying performances in and around Memorial Park, the boardwalk, the Plaza and Marine Pde.
The finale on the Memorial Park stage featured buskers selected during their morning performances by the judges and the audiences.
There were many quality performances, from a classical saxophone player busking for the first time to a seasoned 11-year-old talent already a Central Coast and national champion.
National champions, and winners of the inaugural event, The James Brothers, were joined by Coast FM DJ Rhia Norcott and founder of the Australian National Busking Championships Allan Spencer to undertake the formal judging for the three other categories.
Each category winner, including the People’s Choice automatically gained an invitation to compete at the national finals in Cooma on November 30 for the opportunity to become this year’s national champion.
Adult winner was previous participant Coral Renee, and runner-up was Denim Duo featuring Mitchi Renegen and Megan Jane, who also placed second in the Adult People’s Choice.
Winner of the 13-17 years category was Maverick Leslie-Fitch and runner-up was Layla Forsythe. The U13 winner was Belle Norman.
The Rotary Clubs of Erina and The Entrance were joined by West Pennant Hills-Cherrybrook Rotary Club on the day to host the event that profiles all ages of talent on the Central Coast.
Money raised from the purchase of Rotary tokens to vote in the People’s Choice awards will go towards Central Coast Kids in Need.
The event was supported by a Central Coast Council grant for event infrastructure, Bendigo Bank sponsored the prizes, along with Simply Stunning Syles and Kuoch Chemist.
Coast FM, Gosford Signs, Kwik Kopy Gosford, and BAX Audio were partners for the event on the day, including promotion and a live broadcast from the event.
Be the first to comment on "Busking competition shines spotlight on Coast talent"