Busker from England outshines other competitors

One star shone brighter than the rest at the GLO Festival's Buskers and Bazaar.

Lining Tutanekai St yesterday at the festival's first event were several buskers working to woo votes from the crowd. But although a lot of talent was on show there could only be one winner.

Bringing in the most votes was Luke Upton, 22, a singer from England.

Upton is travelling the world and was in Rotorua for the holiday season to spend time with family before heading to the US in January.

As well as a $1500 Prezzy Card, Upton won the chance to sing on stage at the Party in the Park tonight. He said it would be the first time he had performed in front of such a large crowd.

"I haven't performed in front of that many people before. I'm knackered after singing for three hours so I'll probably sleep right up to it. \

"I really enjoyed myself, I can't believe how nice everyone is. It was great to see the looks on everyone's faces."

Upton said he had experience singing around London and smaller towns in clubs. He said he had sung songs from several bands and singers at yesterday's event, including One Direction and Michael Buble, and he had received good comments from the listeners.

"It has been really good fun, I just wish the weather was better - but I'm used to that."

He said after he counted his busking money, he would give a percentage to youth cancer support charity CanTeen.

Coming in at second place in the busking competition were Rotorua's Tiarah Laupua and Kylee Waaka, who received a $1000 Prezzy Card and a spot performing at the first Big Brunch on New Year's Day.

In third was Wellington puppeteer and painter Anna Bailey, who won a $500 Prezzy Card. Bailey wowed the crowd by painting pictures through her puppet Evaline.