Taste of Tasmania a busker-free zone again as organisers stick with paid performer policy

A Tasmanian contortionist and sword swallower says the push for Taste of Tasmania performers to create new acts means audiences are in for something special.

Street performer Samora Squid is one of the paid artists performing at the Taste of Tasmania festival this year. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

TASMANIAN contortionist and sword swallower Samora Squid says Taste of Tasmania festival organisers’ push for performers to create new acts means audiences are in for something special.

Last year, Hobart City Council’s made a decision to replace roving buskers with curated music-focused entertainment events, which created a stir in the community.

TASTE FESTIVAL OVERHAUL DROPS STREET PERFORMERS

Taste of Tasmania festival director Brooke Webb said all performers at this year’s festival would be paid so no public donations were necessary.

“I want people to come and enjoy the entertainment,” she said.

Taste of Tasmania festival director Brooke Webb. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

“It’s a combination of nationally respected and celebrated performers as well as local street and circus performers.

“There are about 90 acts and close to 40 per cent of those are local street and circus performers.”

Mr Squid said he was glad the festival had shifted from its music focus to include street performers once more.

“The audience will get a different type of show from me this year,” he said.

“In order to maintain my livelihood I’ve had to travel overseas for six to eight months of the year.

“But Hobart and Tasmania have become a four-season tourist destination which is why I’m interested in being back here.”

The Taste of Tasmania is on from Friday, December 28 to Thursday, January 3.