More than 40 buskers have braved wet and chilly conditions to compete in the annual Freeze Ya Bits Off busking competition in Gore this weekend.

Auditions took part on the Friday, with finals taking place during a special street party on Saturday with a large turnout seeing standing room only to witness the winning performances.

Gore District Council Events and Promotions Coordinator Emma Carle said there was an increase in groups entering this year and with increased demand they included nine groups on the final rather than the usual six.

She said there was an eclectic mixture of genres of music, with one of the stand outs being Invercargill based band Oickn Mix Ukulele Band who played a mixture of country and eastern music.

The winner of the open individual competition was Charlie de Woep, with The Angelettas taking out the People's Choice award as well as the under-14 group category.

Cameron Dixon won the Peter Reid encouragement Award, Route 66 were declared the winner of the open group category while Aimee Baird won the under-14 individual prize.

The event is part of a big musical week for Gore, with the 46th running of the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards taking place across the weekend.