Ipswich Borough Council has officially thrown open the doors, or rather, the streets, to performers of every kind.

For the first time, musicians, magicians, acrobats, dancers, living statues, poets, puppeteers, jugglers, spoken-word artists and street theatre acts are all invited to apply for Ipswich’s inaugural Street Performers Showcase, taking place on Saturday 4 April.

Applications are open now (from 9 February) and close at 5 pm on 6 March 2026.

From Busking Roots to a Full Street Takeover

This new event builds on the success of Ipswich’s Busking Showcase series, which, in recent years, has transformed locations like Cornhill, Tavern Street, Buttermarket and Westgate Street into vibrant performance spaces.

Crowds gathered. Footfall increased. Businesses benefited. And performers, from local musicians to unforgettable acts like Eko the Sea Giant in 2024, drew packed audiences throughout the day.

Now, the Council is expanding that momentum. What began as music-focused busking events is evolving into something broader: a full-spectrum celebration of street culture and live performance.

This time, it’s not just about sound, it’s about spectacle.

A Funded Opportunity for Performers

Selected acts will be funded to perform, helping to turn the town centre into an all-day creative takeover.

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. If you want to be part of it, apply now!”

Key Dates

• Applications close: 5 pm, Friday 6 March 2026
• Successful performers notified: By Monday, 16 March
• Event date: Saturday 4 April 2026