Geelong’s best buskers crowned

GEELONG’S Best Busker competition has been hailed as a major success with more than 30 performers descending on Geelong’s streets to try to take top honours.

Celebrated across Geelong’s CBD on Saturday, local artist Gabby Steel reigned supreme in the contest, and for her efforts took home $500 in cash and a paid gig at the Great Australian Beer Festival in January 2023.

Finishing in second place and taking home $200 and a paid show at The Geelong Jazz Soirees was Pepper Willow, while third place award went to Geelong artist Brock Fidler.

Event organiser Steve Thew said the event was a fantastic opportunity for some of the region’s best up and coming talents to be shown off to the community.

“It was very successful event, there was buskers everywhere and it was a fine day.

“Gabby was totally rapt to take out the title, she was a really great performer and had the crowd going at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.

“Pepper Willow our second-place winner won a spot at the Geelong Jazz Soirees, and she was a lovely and professional performer, while Brock, who finished third, was a great busker himself.

“The standard was very high!”

All the winners were announced at Beavs Bar oafter the full day of busking and were presented by Mr Thew and Cr Eddy Kontelj.

A host of local businesses and spokespeople including Cr Kontelj were prizes donors on the day.

Mr Thew and the event committee thanked all the artists who put on a show on Saturday and wished them luck with their career aspirations.

To see photos and videos from the Geelong Best Busker’s competition, head to facebook.com/geelongsbestbusker