Brother, can you spare a dime?

American Nathan Cooper performs yesterday in Christchurch for donations. Picture / Simon Baker

They're not quite sure what to make of flamboyant American comedian Nathan Cooper on the streets of Christchurch. But they will have to get used to him.

"I couldn't imagine a better city than Christchurch to be walking around in size 14 tap shoes and a tutu," he says as he homes in on unsuspecting pedestrians.

"I have already seen on the people's faces, I am accepted with such open arms that it just really ... it's exciting. It not only warms my heart, but hopefully it will line my pockets a little bit."

Cooper, a classically trained Ohio tap dancer in a top hat and oversized basketball boots, is one of 55 of the world's premier street performers invited to Christchurch for the 11-day World Buskers Festival, starting tomorrow.

Founded in 1994, the annual festival has grown to be one of the largest and most prestigious in the world. Thanks to international television coverage, it was seen by about 7 million people last year.

"I'm delighted and I'm honoured to be here at such a prestigious festival. I'm already meeting phenomenal artists, and I'm excited to work with them," Cooper says. "We are all out here trying to entertain and give people a laugh and break up their day, and we all make our living doing this."

The festival will feature 37 acts performing in central Christchurch streets, from jugglers to acrobats to magicians, as well as a host of nightly stage shows.

Every year the central city comes to a standstill as crowds of hundreds gather to see the performers. Festival director Jodi Wright says the appeal of the festival is obvious.

"You don't have to plan a lot to go to a street performer's festival. It is comedy and it is fun. You show up and walk into the street and if you don't like the show, there will be another one to go and see 300m down the road," Ms Wright said.

"The only drawback is if the weather gets a bit iffy."