Belfast rockers Banshee were crowned the Overall Winner of this year’s BuskFest, taking home a £1000 prize and securing a performance slot at Northern Ireland's largest art and music festival, Stendhal Festival in July.

The international busking competition - which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year – took place in Banbridge on Saturday with over 50 live performances from buskers culminating in an evening performance with headline act Ryan McMullan.

The busking celebration which annually attracts talent from across the island this year offered the participants the chance to compete for the £1000 prize pot including a chance to perform at this year's Stendhal Music Festival, as well as recording opportunities.

The Overall Winner, Banshee said, “We are shocked and excited to win this year’s BuskFest. It’s been a fantastic experience performing to the crowds here in Banbridge. As a group used to busking and performing to the public on the street, the opportunity to now showcase our talent to thousands and compete at an international competition has been amazing.

“Events like these are so important for giving up-and-coming artists the opportunity to perform and share our talent in front of crowds. We’re very grateful to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for this outstanding opportunity and we can’t wait to perform at the Stendhal Festival. It’s going to be an amazing opportunity to reach new audiences and further our musical career.”

Following on from the lively busking throughout the day, the town centre was filled to capacity in the evening with fans eager to see a stellar performance by Ryan McMullan, prior to his gig at Glastonbury Festival and ably supported by The Nooks Acoustic and previous winner Eva Kearney who got the crowd moving.

Banbridge Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy said “This year’s BuskFest has been an outstanding success showcasing the incredible artists we have across the North and beyond. I’d like to congratulate all of today’s winners and a special mention to the Overall Winner, Banshee".

Full list of this year's Buskfest's winners below: 
Overall winner – Banshee
Best Individual – Lisa Dawson
Best Band – T.C.O.L
Best Junior – Jarlaith Mervyn
Best performance sponsored by Banbridge Chamber of Commerce – Black Turf
Spirit of Buskfest sponsored by The Boulevard - Ruairí Coffey