Why it matters: This marks a significant expansion of the town's popular busking events, opening opportunities to all street performers – from musicians and magicians to acrobats, dancers, living statues, poets, puppeteers and more – for the first time.
The big picture: The new showcase builds on the success of Ipswich's Busking Showcase events held in recent years, which brought energy and creativity to key town centre locations including Cornhill, Tavern Street, Buttermarket and Westgate Street.
Previous showcases received "fantastic feedback" from the public, helping to increase footfall, support local businesses, and demonstrate strong appetite for cultural events in the town centre. Some performances, such as Eko the Sea Giant during the 2024 showcase, drew large, attentive audiences throughout the day.
The details: Applications opened on Monday, 9 February 2026 and close at 5pm on Friday, 6 March 2026. Selected acts will be funded to perform and help transform the town centre into an all-day celebration of creativity.
A panel will review all submissions, with successful performers to be notified by Monday, 16 March 2026.
What they're saying: Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "We're inviting all street performers to be part of Ipswich's newest all-day outdoor event. Let's see the streets come alive with the sound of music, fun, and entertainment - and once again bring an array of acts to delight the crowds."
"Our town's got talent – let's celebrate that and animate the whole town centre on 4 April 2026. Any street performer can apply – we want to hear from street theatre acts, visual performers, poets, spoken-word artists, jugglers, children's entertainers and many more. If you want to be part of it - apply now!"
The bottom line: After years of successful busking showcases, Ipswich is expanding its cultural offering with an inclusive event that welcomes all forms of street performance, aiming to bring vibrancy and entertainment to the town centre throughout the day.
