The hearty dose of laughter prescribed to quake-rattled Christchurch residents is about to be delivered, with the opening of the World Buskers Festival.

The hearty dose of laughter prescribed to quake-rattled Christchurch residents is about to be delivered, with the opening of the World Buskers Festival.

Final preparations for the festival, which begins on Thursday Janaury 20, are being made this week and directors Jodi Wright and Jo Blair are excited by the opportunity to bring some laughter and life back into Christchurch’s city centre.

“It has been a rocky few months for everyone so it’s time the city had a good laugh. This year’s World Buskers Festival is going to be a great chance for people to get out and about in the city centre and forget their worries for a while. They can just sit back and enjoy being entertained by some of the world’s best street performers,’’ Ms Wright says.

“We’ve got 500 shows lined up over 10 days so there is no excuse not to get out there and enjoy a laugh or two,’’ adds Ms Blair.

On Monday the large dome which will serve as the Pacific Blue Buskers Club is being erected in Cathedral Square. The club will be the night-time venue for Nothing But Stand Up, a new event hosted by Michele A’Court and featuring Jeremy Elwood, Simon McKinney and Vaughn King. This quartet of funny will take to the stage every night of the festival at 8pm.

“We’re going to use that same venue for our new Buskers Burlesque, which will kick off at 10.30pm from Friday 21 to Saturday 29 January. It’s going to be a little little bit naughty, but lots of fun for the grown-ups,’’ says Ms Wright.

As well, Christchurch’s icon Arts Centre will again be hosting comedy every night throughout the festival, from 7pm, at the Stoneleigh Arts Centre Comedy Club in the North Quad.

“There’s also a venue especially for the kids and a music pitch where some of our most talented musicians will be performing daily so there really is something for everyone,’’ says Ms Wright.

This year’s festival sees the welcome return to Christchurch of the ever-popular Blackstreet Boyz and the Daredevil Chicken Club, while new acts selected for the festival include:

• The Half-Naked Chef, a spoof Australian TV cook whose culinary demonstrations will change your view of TV cooking shows forever.
• Jack Dagger, the self-proclaimed American King of Fling who has found fame and fortune from throwing knives and tomahawks and cracking whips.
• Jessica Arpin, a Brazilian-born clown who has entertained audiences around the world.
• Canadian fire tamers Les Walkyries, whose artistry with fire leaves audiences gasping.
• Sammy J & Randy, winners of the Australia’s premier comedy award.
• Australian circus performer and comedian Asher Treleaven whose comic genius has earned him rave reviews around the world.
• American contortionist Jonathan Burns who has been entertaining people with his special blend of magic and sideshow stunts since the age of 12.

“It’s going to be a great 10 days and we really encourage people to get out and enjoy themselves. There’s nothing better for the soul than a healthy dose of laughter and we guarantee there will be plenty of that on offer,’’ Ms Blair says.