Eastland launches summer busking series in Ringwood’s Town Square
The next big musical talent could be discovered at Ringwood’s Eastland shopping centre over the silly season, with performers invited to strut their stuff at new weekly jam sessions. Find out who can get involved.
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One of Melbourne’s biggest shopping centres is letting buskers plug in, earn money and entertain shoppers throughout summer.
Eastland has launched its summer busking series — allowing up-and-coming performers or acts to play for up to two hours every weekend in Ringwood Town Square.
It’s the first time buskers have been allowed in the square and any type of performer, including musicians, dance groups, school choirs and community groups, can have a crack.
Maroondah has only six other approved busking locations, and non-Maroondah residents must pay $38 for a three-month permit.
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As part of Eastland’s series, anyone from outside of Maroondah who is under 16 can perform for free, while older performers pay a $25 fee, which will be donated to the Maroondah Foundation.
The centre’s community relations manager, Jodie Murphy, designed the series after she met with busking experts from Melbourne City Council.
Eastland general manager Greg Balmforth said the centre was excited for local talent to emerge in Town Square.
“This unique outdoor space is a central, accessible, multi-use open area for the enjoyment of the local community and visitors to Maroondah and is the perfect space for the busking series,” he said.
Croydon busker Cassandra Stanford, who’s been performing for 17 years, said she was happy to have another opportunity to perform her covers and original music.
“It’s always so much easier performing and busking close to home instead of travelling north or into the city where a lot of the music scene is,” she said.
Performers can apply to busk in Town Square by filling out an application form and providing an online link to their performances here.
Details: eastland.com.au