What a wonderful day Applause 2009 was.  After a week of cold and wet weather, the sun shone and the crowds came out to enjoy a spectacular day of entertainment.

We had a fantastic mix of guest artists and festival buskers, turning Dean Street into a street full of seriously talented people.  Who could forget The Pitt Family Circus introducing “wee Pitt” - such talent for one so young!  The Pitts were an absolute favourite with the crowd with their quirky and engaging act.  PopEyed, the “lifesavers from Russia” were jaw droppingly good and BikeBoy made sitting on a pole, on a bike, juggling, look really quite easy!  Tony Roberts joined us again with his new show which was great fun and our festival favourite, Shep Huntly performed his new show to an ever appreciative audience.  Our roving stilt walker, The Marvellous June, was back again this year and must have enjoyed herself far too much because she just kept on roving.   The kids loved June and Ruby, the “Spanish Matador” who popped in briefly but left a big impression.  We feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to see all of our guest artists who gave so much of themselves to our little festival.

As for our festival buskers – what can we say!   To an act, they were all wonderful.  Applause provides a great opportunity to be a part of a street festival in your own main street, and our festival buskers really make the most of it.  It’s too hard to single out individuals, and so we say thank you to everyone for making the day the success it was.

There was plenty of other activity going on around all of our performances, with circus and percussion workshops, a beatboxing competition, free pavement art, a kids play area, Aboriginal craft,  great food .... 

And as the day drew to a close, the traditional “Final Applause” concert kicked off in QEII Square, hosted again by Shep Huntly and featuring cut down performances by guest artists and 3 selected festival buskers.  Thanks to everyone who took part in the concert and to those who stayed to enjoy it – it is a fabulous way to end the day.

Take the time to have a look at the gallery for pics of the day and put the 16th October in your diaries now for Applause 2010 which we are sure will be another gorgeous day

Registrations will open in May but until then, we wish all of our performers and audience a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.