This year it will be “different but the same,” said organizers. The venues are different because in the past the buskers have performed in the city streets. Nearly all of the CBD has been closed since the February earthquake so instead the buskers will be performing in Hagley Park. However, the performances are similar to other years. There are jugglers, acrobats, trapeze artists, comedians and many other amazing shows. During the day they perform outdoors. In the evening, shows will be held in tents.

　　This year there will be 500 performances over 10 days. Performers come from 10 different countries. Many performers come back again each year because they love the crowds who come to the shows in Christchurch.

　　Because earthquakes are still continuing, people feel safer in Hagley Park.

　　Vocabulary

　　to host an event – provide facilities and make arrangements

　　venues – places where they perform

　　CBD – central business district

　　jugglers throw many balls and other objects into the air and catch them

　　acrobats do difficult physical movements like standing on the shoulders of another person

　　trapeze – high swings; performers fly in the air from one swing to another

　　Questions

　　Do you enjoy watching street performers?

　　Sometimes buskers ask a person in the crowd to help them in the show. If you were asked to take part in a show, would you refuse?