The World Buskers Festival is returning to Christchurch’s CBD, which last year was nearly completely cordoned off because of the earthquakes.

Last year the event was relocated to Hagley Park, but now the street performers are slowly reclaiming the city.  

While some acts will still be in the park, the event's gradually creeping closer to the central city.

Festival manager Leyton Tremain says the return is pleasing.

“We've got a great facility and great venue down here [at the park], but it's nice to be back into the traditional mix of being in the city as well.”

The temporary Pallet Pavilion is one of the main central city venues, and it's where you can find Keith Preene's nightly ‘Golden Goose Bingo’ show.

“I think it's great,” says Preene. “I'm from the Rolleston area and it looks like the depot for The Warehouse, I like what they've done with it, it's perfect.”

The 10-day event is the country's largest outdoor festival, with around 600 shows put on by 56 performers from nine different countries.

For most of the acts it's their largest gig, with an overall audience of about 300,000.

One busker, Devil Dan, says it now has international appeal.

“It's a fave among performers, everyone that I meet from all over Canada, the States and Europe – everyone talks about the festival here in Christchurch.”

And the festival has another reason to celebrate – it’s turning 20 this year.

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