Get amongst the fun
Ōtautahi Christchurch will be the place to be in January 2025 when The World Buskers Festival returns from Friday, 24 January to Sunday, 2 February, for its 32nd year!
Prepare for a thrilling mix of international talent, incredible performers from across Aotearoa, and homegrown artists from right here in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
You won’t want to miss a moment of the magic – this festival will be right up your Avenue, Square, Terrace, or Street. Here’s a showcase of just a few of the extraordinary artists set to perform and what you can expect from this iconic celebration.
From the dynamic duo HEROMACRO, audiences will be captivated by an electrifying blend of acrobatics and Japanese street theatre. Hailing from Hiroshima and Kyoto, this pair – HERO, a Ninja, and MAKO, a Geisha – bring their Japanese roots to life with quirky humour and incredible stunts. With balance, strength, and unexpected props like chopsticks, HEROMACRO leaves audiences laughing and cheering with every performance.
Rolleston’s very own comedy legend, Keith ‘The Numbers’ Preene, is back in action! Last seen at the 2017 World Buskers Festival with a sold-out season, Keith returns to the iconic James Hay Theatre for his infamous show, The Golden Goose. Step into Keith’s world for a raucous round of bingo that promises non-stop laughs, cheeky antics, and plenty of prizes. Set inside Keith’s ‘house’, this bingo night is a truly one-of-a-kind experience, blending comedy and competition in a way only he can. Known for his annual Keith Preene Calendar and as the brainchild of Shay Horay Productions, Keith’s show brings a bit of naughty fun to the festival.
All the way from the USA, Pogo Fred is a world-renowned entertainer whose gravity-defying pogo stunts have thrilled audiences globally. With multiple Guinness World Records under his belt, Fred takes pogo tricks to new heights – literally – on next-generation pogo sticks that soar up to 10 feet tall. From The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to America’s Got Talent, Fred’s infectious energy and thrilling tricks are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
From Spain, Pau Palaus is hailed as one of the best clowns in Europe right now. A contemporary clown who avoids words and only works with gesture and a way of looking that transmits peace and a liberating desire to play. Pau Palaus does not seek provocation, and with his genuine personality improvisation, he creates a unique space in each performance. A perfect show for any audience, with a universal language but not one spoken word. “A tangle of strings that comes from far away. A tangle of thoughts and emotions that lead to laughter and play, the most useful and pure tools to unravel knots.”
Rounding out the lineup, direct from Las Vegas, Tape Face brings his unique brand of silent humour that has charmed millions around the world. Created by Christchurch’s Sam Wills, this character uses mime, clever gags, and universal themes to create a show full of surprises. Now a permanent resident at a Las Vegas theatre, his return to Christchurch in January 2025 marks his first performance here in nine years, and it’s an exclusive opportunity you won’t want to miss. His ability to captivate without words has made him a global sensation and guarantees laughter that transcends language and culture. With only two shows available at the Isaac Theatre Royal, this one will be a sell-out, so be sure to book your tickets early.
Get ready to experience an unforgettable mix of talent, humour, and heart. It is going to be great to share all the excitement!