The Street Star Buskers Competition was an initiative created by Festivals Up North to nurture, grow and develop the street arts culture and performers in the region. It was all about offering emerging artists and performers a place and platform to strut their stuff, show off their talents, test the waters, take risks, learn, experience and achieve goals.

Sponsored by Ergon Energy, promoted by HOT FM and produced by Festivals Up North, the Street Star Buskers competition achieved the desired outcomes. Stars were born, realisations were made, cabaret ensemble training began, the public engaged, the ideas flowed, art was produced, acts were created and the streets of Cairns were enlivened.

The competition ran for the first 3 years of the Cairns Buskers Festival and all entrants were offered workshops and training with international touring artists as part of their sign up package. Although the competition no longer runs, The Cairns Buskers Festival continues to offer training and workshops to regional artists and performers as part of our initiatives and contribution towards the regional arts entertainment and events industry. In 2011 we received funding from Arts Queensland to deliver pavement art and physical theatre training and workshops with tow Australian artists who have extensive international performance and festival experience.

Entrants in the Street Star Buskers Competition have since made it to the finals of Australia's Got Talent and performed around the world at many festivals. Cairns is becoming renown as a street theatre town on the international circuit, whether it be as part of the Buskers Festival or outside of these times. Professional performers are coming to Cairns the more they hear about the positive response to street theatre, the perfect climate for outdoor art, and the generosity and appreciation of the locals and tourists.

Festivals Up North proudly take responsibility for striking the match that ignited this vibrant creative revolution.

2010 Street Star winner - The Derringers

2009 Street Star winner - Jack S'ladder

2008 Street Star winner - The Mozzarella Boys