Sword swallowers have been a staple of the International Buskers Festival.
From acrobats and contortionists, to comedians and magicians, buskers of all forms will hit Auckland's streets this weekend for the International Buskers Festival.
Fourteen acts from around the world will perform at various Auckland locations from today until Tuesday, delighting audiences with their colourful street art.
Aotea Square,
Vulcan Lane and Westfield Downtown will host lunchtime performances today from noon, and again at 5pm.
Evening shows will take place from 7pm at Market Square in the Viaduct throughout the weekend.
Tomorrow will see even more acts take to the streets with afternoon performances at all of the above locations, plus Princes Wharf and the Viaduct Harbour.
* Check back throughout the day as our entertainment reporter hits the streets to review the festival's acts.
THE PERFORMERS
Brant Matthews (CAN)
Brant 'Fireguy" Matthews is a fire eater, juggler and all-round illusionist.
The Space Cowboy (AUS)
With sword-swallowing, juggling, whip-cracking and acrobats, the Space Cowboy is a veritable one-man circus.
Gary Knights (UK)
Take a hint of magic, a smattering of comedy and a pinch of escape artistry and voila! You have Gary Knights.
Scoot Show (AUS)
With a degree in circus arts, a Guiness World Record on his side and 11 years of busking behind him, Scoot promises to be a highlight of the festival.
Arizona Jones (USA)
Promising "a satirical tribute to one of pop cultures greatest icons," Arizona Jones uses whips, animal traps, magic, fire and origami to entertain the masses.
Basketball Jones (NZ)
New Zealand's own Basketball Jones combines balls, hoops and a unicycle to delight his audience.
Tony Roberts (AUS)
A modern-day Houdini, Roberts uses comedy to compliment his tricky escape artistry.
English Gentlemen (UK)
Acrobats and tea go hand in hand when Hamish McCann and Denis Lock team up in the name of Queen and country.
Andrew Elliot (AUS/INDIA)
Elliot promises to mystify audiences with his traditional Indian magic and cheeky Aussie humour.
Lurk (USA)
At three metres tall, Lurk is understandable "a clown with a complex". Originally from New Zealand, Lurk has been performing on the street circuit for more than 20 years.
OZ Star Airlines (AUS)
The festival's only females, Stacey and Tracey show off their special brand of in-flight entertainment, featuring hula hoops, juggling and the all-important safety demonstration.
