MANY of York’s talented buskers, entertainers and magicians will be taking part in a festival celebrating street performance.

More than 50 performers will star in Buskival – a festival held at various city centre locations over the weekend of June 2 and 3 – to show off York’s tradition of street performance.

A trail of busking pitches will be created around York during the Diamond Jubilee weekend with the best of City of York Council-registered buskers.

Other award-winning street performers have also been specially invited to perform during the weekend.

Rob Roy Collins, an escape artist and street performer from York, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to see some truly world-class street performers from York, Covent Garden and around the world right here in the city.

“We hope that as many people as possible will come out and support these visiting performers and the best of our local acts in what will be great event for the city on a memorable weekend.”

Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for leisure, culture and social inclusion, said: “This event celebrates the fantastic and diverse range of street entertainment we have in the city. York’s busking community is preparing to wow audiences with their talents.”

As part of the two-day festival there will be a competition for members of the public to choose their favourite amateur busker.

The winning artist will win £200 and there will also be runner-up prizes for second and third place.

Buskival is one of the York 800 events, a series of events for residents, visitors and businesses, to celebrate the 800th anniversary of York becoming a self-governing city. To enter the competition buskers must have a current and valid busking licence for York.

For more information contact Debbie Bell, City of York Council debbie.bell@york.gov.uk or call 01904 552270.

This new event is sponsored by city centre retailer, HomeSense and will take place between 11am and 4pm at 12 different city centre locations.

throughout the weekend.