The World Busker's Festival starts tomorrow in Christchurch, where a highly anticipated act will perform who don't speak a word of English - or actually a word at all.
The Korean miming group, called the Ongals, arrived in Christchurch yesterday and will make their New Zealand debut at the festival.
They combine their magic, circus and beat-boxing skills for an hour of "spectacularly unique and hilarious entertainment".
"They are one of our most exciting acts whose humour doesn't get lost in translation - even without speaking a word of English," says festival director Glen Pickering.
Entertainers from around the globe have been arriving in the city for the 23rd edition of the festival, which runs over 11 days. It is mainly based in Hagley Park but several venues across Christchurch will be used too.
Performers range from mimes to world-record holders, acrobats, burlesque stars, YouTube celebrities, and stand-up comedians, catering for a broad audience of all ages.
"We searched long and hard to find the perfect combination of performers," Mr Pickering says.
Ticket sales are on target for another bumper event, he says.
"The headline acts in the past are often sell-outs, so people have learned to book early."
Other performers include Argentinian soccer freestyler Victor Rubilar - who holds several Guinness World Records - and American burlesque performer Perle Noir - who is considered one of the top three artists in her field.
"We not only have first-class performers from around the world, but also have our New Zealand performers as well," Mr Pickering says.
"It is going to be one of our most exciting festivals to date."
Tickets can be booked at the World Buskers website and will also be available in Hagley Park from Thursday.
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