Enough to Freeze Ya Bits Off busking outdoors in Gore
As the country music riverly heats up, the Freeze Your Bits Off busking competition is living up to its name at the New Zealand Gold Guitars in Gore.
Auditions for the busking competition have been taking place since Thursday, with entertainers hitting the main streets of the town to showcase their skills.
On Friday, competitors had to brave the mere 2 degrees Celsius at midday, competition kick-off time.
Event convener Philip Geary said the buskers would ‘‘be earning their money today’’.
Plugged, unplugged, and under 14 categories are a part of the titles on offer and secret judges have been roaming the streets to select entertainers to perform at the finals on Saturday. Busking event coordinator Emma Carle said the streets were filled with cowboy hats and boots and fiddlers, singers and guitar players were a part of the mix. ‘‘It’s freezing. It’s definitely living up to it’s name.’’
Those wanting to enter can still do so on Saturday and music was not limited to country.
Friday was also the first of the auditions for the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards, which kicked off at 8.15am. Geary said about 720 auditions will take place throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, the junior intermediate finals will be held from 6.30pm.
About 30-35 finalists would be selected to take part in the main event, the senior finals, on Sunday from 7.30pm.