Newstalk ZB's Claire Sherwood with the key updates for the South Island.
The countdown has begun to the 33rd World Buskers Festival in Christchurch, which is set to bring 10 days of wild, world-class street performance from January next year.
The 2026 programme, launched today, features an all-star cast of contortionists, acrobats, dancers and buskers from 12 countries.
The festival is setto run from January 23 to February 1.
Christchurch will experience back-to-back acts of street comedy, circus, and acrobatic stunts across five locations - the Bridge of Remembrance, Cathedral Square, Scott Statue, the Arts Centre and a Rollickin Gelato-partnered location on Cashel St.
The 2026 World Buskers Festival will also mark the launch of a new Māori and Pasifika cultural strategy and mentor programme.
Festival directors Pitsch Leiser and Drew James from HooHa Productions say they’re on a mission to establish Christchurch as the circus capital of New Zealand.
“Making us the circus capital of New Zealand just makes sense – it’s bold, it’s fun, and it’s exactly where this city’s at,” Leiser said.
“There’s a real buzz in Christchurch right now. We’re not just rebuilding - we’re reimagining what our city can be: playful, fun and daring.
“The festival will build on this energy by taking over public spaces, doing things differently, and celebrating Christchurch’s vibrant heart.”
The 33rd World Buskers Festival 2026 programme launched today. Photo / Supplied
James said the 2026 Buskers Festival lineup was proof organisers had “done their homework”.
“We travel the world every year, picking the very best talent from streets, plazas, festivals and events.
“These are some of the best acts performing anywhere right now, and they’re coming to Christchurch.
“It’s not just about the global acts, though, with over half our performers from Christchurch and across New Zealand.
“January marks 33 years of the World Buskers Festival, and we want to celebrate this milestone by showing the world what Christchurch is all about.”
The festival runs for 10 days from January 23 February 1, 2026. Photo / Supplied
The festival has also collaborated with Gap Filler to bring a series of interactive games called ‘8 Days of Play’, designed for children and families over the school holidays.
Clarke McFarlane, who will be performing his solo show Mario, Queen of the Circus and in the headline act Cirque Bonbon, said the festival will mark 23 years since he first performed at the festival.
“The World Buskers Festival is loved and cherished in Ōtautahi Christchurch - it’s part of what makes our city such a vibrant cultural centre.
“With the likes of The Court Theatre open and the new One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha coming, there’s a real energy around the city right now.”
