Start gathering your spare change, Christchurch, because Bread & Circus – World Buskers Festival is back on our calendar for April.

Usually one of the highlights of Christchurch's summertime festivities, Bread & Circus had to be postponed from its traditional January spot in 2022 thanks to the interference of everyone's least favourite virus. Happily, the organisers have now secured dates in the Easter school holidays, and the laugh-out-loud landmark event will be back to entertain us from 22 April to 1 May.

This year's festival playground will be Victoria Square and The Commons, with two main stages, roving performers, food stalls and activities for the whole whānau. Get a babysitter, dog sitter or cat sitter lined up for the two Friday and Saturday evenings during the festival – that's when you'll catch the late night programme aimed at a more adult audience. The Bread & Circus site will be free to enter, but you will need to show your Vaccine Pass on entry.

“In a troubled world, we all need more time to relax and time to play," says Festival Director Scott Maidment. "At Bread & Circus, we have created a playground for the young, the old and the young at heart. We’re excited to present this unique festival experience and the perfect antidote to our troubled times.”

As always, the programme will feature some absolutely top-quality, unmissable acts, such as award-winning comedian and magician Jarred Fell; New Zealand's only Quick-Change Artists, the Mystical Jinx duo, with their specialised form of illusion; and Kozo Kaos, who combines juggling, magic and comedy with danger and the macabre.

“Bread & Circus has become one of our city’s favourite events, an annual celebration of talent, vibrancy and diversity," says Loren Heaphy, ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction. "It will bring life to the central city and confirm Ōtautahi Christchurch as a centre for arts and culture."

Keep an eye on the Bread & Circus website and socials for more artist announcements.

breadandcircus.co.nz