KILMORE’S Sydney Street came alive with sound and colour on Saturday as the town celebrated the return of the Kilmore Busking Championships.
The championships were first held in 2019 to coincide with the Kilmore Art Expo, but had a year off in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Co-ordinator Rose King said the event had returned in fine style at the weekend, with performers from the region and further afield taking part.
“It was really great on the street. Having performers out there creates a really good vibe. The performers love it, the spectators love it and it’s great,” she said.
“The weather was good, which you’ve always got your fingers crossed for when it comes to Kilmore. It ended up being a very nice day and there were lots of people out.
“It’s really great for towns to have events like busking championships that bring people out into the street.”
Classical guitarist Alejandro Aguanta took out top honours in the open category in Saturday’s Kilmore Regional Busking Championships. Kate Young belts out a tune. The Drongo and the Crow entertained with a selection of Australiana. Bradley Beaton plays a guitar solo. The Beurologist brings a touch of colour to Kilmore’s main street during the busking championships. Zoe, Alice and George show their enthusiasm for band Madoja, which won a $200 prize for best band sponsored by North Central Review.
Classical guitarist Alejandro Aguanta backed up his victory in the open-age category with another series of well-received performances, while Bradley Beaton won the secondary school category and 12-year-old Gryff impressed the judges in the primary school category.
Colourful belly dancer Aleesha Oriental was awarded second place in the open category, with singer Kate Young coming third.
Holly Mae and Chandler Jay were second and third respectively in the secondary category, while Phoebe Scarlett and Emily Kate rounded out the placegetters in the primary section.
Gryff also took home the people’s choice award, and Ms King said a bright future was in store for the young singer.
“The people’s choice was a bit of a wild card, but Gryff is such an awesomely talented kid. He had crowds around him every time he performed on the day,” she said.
“He’s a little guy, but has a very big voice. He performed in 2019 and really wowed a lot of people then.”
Alejandro Aguanta, Bradley Beaton, and Gryff have all been invited to compete in the Australian National Busking Championships in Cooma, New South Wales on November 13.
