Co Antrim performers urged to seize spotlight as Buskfest returns with £4,500 prize pot

L to R: Ralph McLean (BBC Radio Ulster), Daniel Coulter, Luke Bell and Páidí Muldoon (last year’s winners, 4AM Club), Chris Nelmes (The Boulevard Banbridge), and Alderman Stephen Moutray, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

Musicians, singers and street performers from across County Antrim are being invited to battle it out on the streets of Banbridge this summer as Buskfest 2026 returns with its biggest-ever prize fund and a brand-new youth category designed to give emerging talent a platform to shine.

Now entering its 22nd year, the popular live music festival is once again expected to draw huge crowds to Banbridge town centre on Saturday 20 June, transforming the area into an open-air stage packed with buskers, family entertainment and artisan traders.

With organisers increasing the total prize pot to £4,500, performers of all abilities — from solo acts and bands to street entertainers — are being encouraged to register before the closing deadline on Friday 19 June at 4pm.

The festival has become one of the most recognised grassroots music events in Northern Ireland, attracting performers from right across the region while offering developing artists a rare chance to perform in front of large live audiences and industry figures.

New youth category opens doors for younger performers

One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the introduction of a dedicated youth category aimed at helping younger musicians and entertainers gain experience performing in a competitive live setting.

Organisers say the addition is intended to encourage the next generation of performers to step onto the stage and connect with new audiences in a supportive but energetic atmosphere.

Throughout the day, Banbridge town centre will come alive with performances spread across Bridge Street and Scarva Street, with buskers entertaining spectators from 2pm onwards.

Alongside the music, visitors can expect family-friendly attractions including face painting and puppet shows, while the returning artisan market will showcase local food producers, makers and independent businesses between 12pm and 5pm.

Festival described as ‘one of the highlights’ of the local music calendar

Helping decide who walks away with this year’s awards will be a panel of 12 judges, including BBC Radio Ulster presenter Ralph McLean.

McLean described Buskfest as one of the standout events in the local music scene.

“Buskfest is one of the highlights in both the Banbridge and local music calendar,” he said.

“No matter what side of the performance you’re on, the streets are immersed in an unmatched environment of musical creativity and community spirit, making it a fantastic day out for all.

“It also provides a particularly important platform for emerging local talent, introducing hundreds of individuals to their work. With awards across an array of categories, the festival celebrates talent of all kinds, recognising the outstanding array of performers we have right here at home.”

The event has increasingly become known not only as a competition, but also as a launchpad for artists trying to build audiences and gain exposure beyond their local area.

Previous winners say festival can give artists a real boost

Luke Bell from 4AM Club, one of last year’s winning acts, said taking part in the festival helped raise the band’s profile and connect with new listeners.

“I know firsthand just how special an experience Buskfest can be for any artist,” he said.

“Music as a medium brings both peers and the wider community together. Winning last year gave us a real boost and showed us that people continue to connect with our music and enjoy what we do.

“Even if you’re not competing, but just starting out, it gives you an amazing opportunity to expand your audience and gain some experience, so I’d encourage any musician to sign up.”

The day’s celebrations will continue into the evening with a prize-giving ceremony at 5pm followed by live performances running until 8.30pm as the town centre hosts what organisers expect to be another packed summer showcase of local talent.

Registration for performers is now open at www.buskfest.com and closes at 4pm on Friday 19 June.