With the first difficult year behind it, the Victoria International Buskers Festival approaches its second year with a significant boost.
Tourism Victoria has donated $20,000 to the event, set to run July 20 to 29.
A new addition proposed is a performance stage to be set up each evening on a closed section of Government Street, plus a music stage in Bastion Square.
“Thanks to a significant portion of the local hotel community who have come together to collect additional money for marketing this destination we are able to support this festival that drives overnight visitation for Victoria,” said Helen Welch, vice-president of visitor services and market development for Tourism Victoria.
“Getting a free-to-attend international event off the ground is a real struggle,” said John Vickers, executive director of the festival society, in a press release.
“The goal in year two is to ensure proper foundations can be established to ensure the livelihood of the festival in subsequent years."