Stanthorpe Busking Championship reaches decade milestone, showcasing regions extraordinary talent

A grassroots festival will celebrate a milestone as talent scouts seek out a rural southwest Queensland town for the next big star. Here’s what you can expect.

Levi X went from busking in Stanthorpe to the big stage of the Voice Australia in 2023. Photo: Facebook/Busking Stanthorpe

A rural town has adopted a national festival of music and arts, showcasing talent from across the region and afar while celebrating a decade milestone in 2025.

Stanthorpe’s annual Busking Championship has featured performers who have gone on to feature at other major music and arts festival across the nation and even on national television.

Having graced the streets of Stanthorpe in his early years, saxophonist Levi X went on to take the stage at The Voice Australia in 2023 at just 15, making it through to the battle round, coached by pop-star Rita Ora.

Homegrown talented duo Nine Year Sister, who previously won the championship in 2020 and multiple awards for their song writing, will judge this year’s competition.

In a statement, the sisters encouraged other performers to take a leap of faith and throw their hat in the ring for Saturday’s competition.

“We’re thrilled to return as judges for this anniversary year. Winning here in 2020 not only awarded us $1000 but opened doors to incredible opportunities,” they said.

Stanthorpe music legends Nine Year Sister will judge thhe 2025 Busking Competiton on March 1. Photo" Facebook/Nine Year Sister

Onlookers can expect to see a diverse range of performers from folk and jazz, blues singers, contemporary performers to poets and circus acts on the streets of Stanthorpe.

Committee president Russell Wantling said each year the talent becomes more impressive, with a record number of entrants in this year’s competition.

“It’s a real salt of the earth event and it’s a good opportunity for up-and-coming buskers (to get their name out there),” Mr Wantling said.

“It’s not about making money, it’s more about bringing people from all walks of life to the area.”

The performances will begin at 10am at various locations around Stanthorpe and will end with the finals concert at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre at 1.30pm where the winners will be announced.

Prizes include $1000 for first place, $300 for second and $200 for third place, with the winners from each category also going on to secure a place in the national finals in Cooma, NSW in July.

Admission to the event is free with donations to performers welcomed. For more information and to register visit the Busking Championships page on the Apple & Grape Harvest website.

Originally published as Stanthorpe Busking Championship reaches decade milestone, showcasing regions extraordinary talent