The sun was shining and the streets of Banbridge were alive with the sound of music on Saturday 24 June, as the town celebrated its annual busking festival.
With over 100 performers throughout the town, onlookers were entertained by some very talented musicians.
The crowds enjoyed a wide range of buskers from mouth organ and harmonica players, a ukulele band, saxophone players, electric guitarists, fiddle players, clarinet players and organists who all featured in a superb afternoon of family fun and entertainment.
Following the busking competition, a large crowd filled Solitude Park where they were treated to an excellent showcase of marvellous music by the Jack Devlin Band, before the all-important winners were announced. The Party in the Park ended with music by The SoulShine Blue who had the crowds on their feet, adding to a great day of fantastic musical entertainment.
“Every year our competitors just get better and better – and this year was no exception as the crowds were entertained and treated to an amazing display of local musical talent”, commented Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon, Alderman Margaret Tinsley.
BBC Radio Ulster’s Ralph McLean and the judging panel had much to debate about as some very difficult decisions were made when deciding on the final winners, all agreeing the standard of entries this year was exceptional, however after careful consideration the BuskFest 2023 winners were announced as follows:
- Overall Winner: Eva Kearney
- Best Individual: Rosie McWilliams
- Best Band: The Dukes
- Best Junior: The Mulholland Sisters
- Best Performance sponsored by Banbridge Chamber of Commerce: Rock Soul Down
- Spirit of BuskFest sponsored by The Boulevard: Benedict Grapes
Alderman Tinsley continued: “A massive congratulations to all our winners, especially overall winner Eva Kearney, I know this is only the start of a very bright future. I would also like to say a huge well done to everyone who took part in the competition and for helping make it such a success.”
The organisers of BuskFest would like to thank everyone involved in making this year’s event a great success. A special note of thanks goes to the Stendhal Festival, Limavady, the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast and the AmmA Centre in Armagh for their amazing contributions towards the category winners.
