Free busking a hit for CBD

Published on 28 April 2022

Following on from the success of the Battle of the Buskers last weekend, Rural City of Wangaratta is waiving all fees for busking indefinitely.

After two years of COVID this is an effort to support local performers and build on the lively street culture experienced during the Battle of the Buskers and has been made possible with funding from the Victorian Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund 2021.

Starting with 12 official busking sites across the CBD, buskers can turn up, log in and start entertaining.

Council officers have engaged with local businesses near each location and have received overwhelming support to increase not only increase the foot traffic in the CBD, but also bring some joy to the streets.

 “Our businesses are ready for this, this program supports performers, supports local business, promotes shopping local. It’s a win for everybody!” Cr Dean Rees said.

“The sign up takes minutes and your registration is instant! This is an exciting opportunity for all buskers, especially for younger performers that may not be able to afford their own public liability insurance, as Council will cover that insurance as part of the registration process,” he said.

To find out more about the free busking go to: