LilG, a 13-year-old blues sensation, was a past winner of the National Busking Championships and this weekend she returns to Cooma as a special guest performer. Photo: LilG.
This weekend, Cooma will transform into a vibrant hub for music and talent as the National Busking Championships (ANBC) reach their grand finale.
The streets will echo with melodies from artists of all ages, showcasing a mix of emerging talent and seasoned performers in a celebration of creativity and community.
This year’s championship will also mark the 75th anniversary of the Snowy Hydro Scheme, and organisers are pulling out all the stops to make it a landmark event.
At the heart of the event is special guest performer, LilG, a 13-year-old blues sensation from Gosford.
Since winning the championships two years ago, the young talent has become a breakout star, earning a dedicated following online, headlining major blues festivals, and preparing to tour the United States.
“It’s incredible to see how this event has propelled her career,” said ANBC president Allan Spencer.
Other standout acts include Arthur Hull, a 2024 The Voice contestant, who is competing after winning the Cooma regional heat, as well as Cooma’s own recently recorded singer-songwriter Gabi Forman.
These three artists will headline Sunday’s free lunchtime concert at the Alpine Hotel, offering attendees one last chance to catch them live.
The weekend will also feature performances by Bombala’s Ron Milliner, a revered country music singer-songwriter.
Now in his late 70s, Milliner will share the stage with his daughter Gaylene Jennings from Cooma, and fellow Bombala fiddle player, Gus Olding, as they compete for Best Band honours.
This year’s championships has drawn artists from across Australia, including a nine-year-old singer from Queensland and the Sloan family band from the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s wonderful to see the diversity of talent this event attracts,” Allan said.
The festivities kick off on Friday evening with a welcome party at the Alpine Hotel, hosted by The James Brothers, who will also be acting as judges for the busking competition.
That’ll be heralded in on Saturday with a 9 am multicultural street parade, which commemorates the 75th anniversary of Snowy Hydro, setting the tone for a day of performances where competitors will play four 30-minute sets at 20 busking stations set up around the town’s CBD.
Mr Spencer said 22 top buskers from across Australia would be competing in primary, secondary, and open divisions for the coveted title of Australian National Busking Champion.
That action starts at 10 am and concludes at 2:30 pm, with the presentation on Centennial Park main stage at 3 pm showcasing the top performers, who will return for the Night of Champions concert at 6 pm.
Interaction is encouraged with visitors able to support their favourite performers by purchasing tokens to vote in the People’s Choice Awards, with proceeds benefiting the Cooma Community Chest.
The Sunday lunchtime concert at the Alpine Hotel will conclude the weekend program of events which includes workshops, free activities, markets and special prizes.
There’s even $200 up for grabs for the best parade costume.
“We’re not just celebrating talent,” Mr Spencer said. “This event is also about bringing people to Cooma to enjoy the region, the music of the buskers and other performers on the central stage, meet and make friends and celebrate the multicultural nature of our town, with our event coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the Snowy Scheme.”
He said thanks to sponsorship from Future Generation JV (WeBuild) and a range of other local businesses, the 2024 event was shaping up to be their biggest and best grand final yet.
From its humble beginnings 14 years ago, the ANBC has grown into a national showcase of musical talent and creativity.
“Our goal is to make Cooma the busking capital of Australia — and we’re well on our way,” Mr Spencer said.
The weekend’s events kick off Friday evening with a welcome party at the Alpine Hotel from 6 pm, followed by a multicultural street parade on Saturday morning from 9 am. All entertainment is free. For the full list of events or more information, head to the National Busking Championships website.
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