Calling all buskers!
Calling all buskers! Fancy winning cash prizes? Well, then head to Birr this Saturday for annual Mick Egan Memorial Busking Competition designed to recognise and showcase the talent that Birr and its surrounding areas has to offer.
The event is free and open to the public and to anyone who wishes to show off their talent and participate in the lively afternoon of battling buskers on the town's streets.
If you would like to get involved you can submit a registration form which will be available at the Music Tent on Green Street on Saturday, August 3. Registration opens at 12 noon with deadline of 2pm.
The overall winner will get €100 and the coveted Michael 'The Dom' Egan Memorial Cup. Not so much a trophy as the boon of a passed legend, this chalice is named after the much loved and missed local legend 'The Dom, Michael Egan; ‘Dom’inator of the spoons, squeezebox, the boxin, ‘da hurlin’ and the hearts of the people of Birr, as only a local character can.
The runner-up gets €50 Pride Of Birr Award. The best local entrant gets the 'Pride Of Birr' Award. The award celebrates the fun, entertainment and creativity of local artists.
Entrants can choose their own spot where they think they will attract the most attention and gratitude from the passing audience.
To sign up for the competition, all you need to do is complete an official registration form, available from the Music Tent where Dickie Donnelly will direct you. This form will include your contact details, performer name and whether you would like to perform on the stage, street, etc. All buskers require official festival registration. Deadline for registration: 2pm on Saturday, August 3rd.
Judging will take place throughout the day of the competition by a panel of judges. The winners will be announced by the judging panel after the competition ends at 5pm at the Music Tent. Winners names will be announced and winners will perform on the stage at the market.
The judging panel will be basing their marks on costume — not obligatory, but participation and effort will not go unnoticed, standard of singing — it’s not The X-Factor but entertainment is key, presentation & performance, audience participation, length of performance, and finally, atmosphere.
Throughout the streets of Birr, many areas will be dotted with buskers and street performers who will bring music, dance, circus, colour, atmosphere and so much more to the day. Please applaud and give generously if you like what you see!
If you would like more information on busking at the festival email: birrvintageweek19@gmail.com or call 086 2103291.