The world-famous world buskers festival is returning to infuse the streets of Christchurch with laughs, creativity and belief-defying acts this summer.

After the success of 2021's Backyard Buskers Festival, the 2022 Bread & Circus – World Buskers Festival promises to be even bigger and bolder, running across three weekends around central Christchurch from Friday 14 to Sunday 30 January. The world-famous busking pitches, free outdoor performances and must-see ticketed events are all set to return, with something to entertain and amuse audiences of all ages.

"We are some of the luckiest people in the world right now that we can get together and celebrate," says Festival Director Scott Maidment. "The arts can create that bit of magic energy through shared experience. This is what makes experiences like Bread & Circus so special."

Expressions of interest are now open, and the festival organisers are encouraging submissions of all ideas, talents, artistic proposals and event concepts. There have been hints that festival favourites of the past will return, and some world premieres are already in the works.

A landmark event and staple of the Christchurch summer event calendar, this summer's Bread & Circus will be the world-class festival of entertainment that locals and visitors alike have come to expect. "Bread & Circus has become one of our city's favourite events, an annual celebration of talent, vibrancy and diversity," says ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction Loren Heaphy.

"It brings life to the city's streets and venues and elevates Ōtautahi Christchurch as a centre for arts and culture."

breadandcircus.co.nz