Bread & Circus World Backyard Buskers Festival kicks off this month in Christchurch, and we've got the inside word on some unmissable acts.

WHAT THE QUIZ IS THIS?!

Get your sound holes ready for the musical competition of your lifetime. It's a quiz. A musical quiz. With live performances courtesy of cabaret superstar Nomi Cohen. Rally your team and let's get quizzical.

JARRED FELL – AGAIN

Witty, naughty and razor-sharp, magician Jarred Fell is coming to Christchurch to premiere his new show, Again. He says the performance will be full of post-Covid ideas with a sprinkling of old classics.

JESS THE MESS

They call her Jess The Mess and 5 minutes into her show you'll understand why. Armed with a sparkly personality, fire, eggs, and some seriously sweet dance moves, one of New Zealand's funniest professional idiots brings you an interactive comedy street show entertaining both little and big kids alike.

LI'L CHUCK THE ONE MAN SKIFFLE MACHINE

Multi-instrumentalist David Thorpe aka Li'l Chuck the One Man Skiffle Machine is a true one-man-band, proving that men can in fact multitask. Having spent a lifetime rummaging through the drawers of 1930's – 50's music, Chuck’s mostly original songs are inspired by the sounds of the era – Blues, Early Jazz, Western Swing, Ragtime etc. and are uniquely presented in the style of street performers from those glory days.

PAUL KLAASS

Paul Klaass is a multi-award winning comic juggler. His one man circus has hilarious comedy skits, world-klaass juggling, and screeds of charm. With a fresh and modern take on circus, this unique and memorable must-see show is fantastic family friendly fun.

BIGGEST LITTLE CIRCUS

Back by popular demand, The Biggest Little Circus return with astonishing aerials, classic Kiwi comedy, OMG juggling and loads of lycra! You can't miss their leotards and you don't want to miss their one-of-a-kind performance, kiwi charm and loads of lycra. Catch them at the Scott Statue Park Busking Pitch throughout the festival.

BETTY'S WORLD

A Christchurch premiere from the creator of Sport Suzie – a long time festival favourite. Welcome to a world of magic, circus, fearless cycling and a mind reading pig. Equal parts astonishing and hilarious.

KIDS COMEDY GALA

A hearty assortment of belly-laughing, cheek-aching entertainment taking to the Isaac Theatre Royal stage. The hand-picked best of the fest, without the rude bits. Roll up to see comedians, clowns, acrobats and musicians providing top quality entertainment for the whole family.

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