An even bigger Buskerfest returns to HRM

Jugglers, magicians and other unique international performers will be taking over both Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts.

Opening today, the Halifax Buskerfest is launching its latest offering with free shows taking place across downtown.

In exchange for a small, optional tip, performers of all sorts will entertain Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) residents during the six-day event.

Producer Kim Hendrickson told CityNews that there is a wide variety of acts coming to the city for the very first time as well as some old favourites.

“A returning artist that I think families will love, as well as adults, is Yo-Yo Guy,” said Hendrickson of John Higby, from the United States. “He is a specialist with yo-yos and he does big stages in (Las) Vegas and all around the world at festivals and he has been here before but it was maybe 15 or 18 years ago so we are excited to have him back.”

Other highlights of the festival will include Surprise Effect, a hip-hop dance troupe from France, fire-juggling act Her Majesty’s Secret Circus as well as the UK’s Paddy ‘Famos’ Bramwell.

“He was here 25 years ago,” says Hendrickson. “So I am really excited to see him again after all these years.”

Hendrickson adds the festival has also expanded this year with a new full stage and family funland and located at the south end of the boardwalk near the Seaport Farmers Market.

“We are going to have a buskers stage there full time with vendors,” says Hendrickson. “So it will be a whole new part of the festival developed with a full stage, full vendors and activations there.”

The Halifax Buskerfest will run Aug. 2 to Aug. 7 along the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts.

For updates, performance schedules and information, visit: www.buskers.ca.