By Claire Ahuriri

The City Showcase Festival, based in London, that launched the careers of Razorlight, Keane, and Amy Winehouse, could be established soon here in Auckland.

Festival organiser Nanette Rigg came to Auckland last week to check it out. But Auckland is in competition with Toronto and Paris who are also interested in setting up the festival.

The Festival in the UK is free and not for profit, and gigs usually take place not in one main large venue but spread out in different venues, both day and night, in places like London’s Carnaby Street.

Though the main festival takes place over a week, the effects for the artists are ongoing, establishing a community for new and upcoming talent.

But rumour has it Auckland does have a fighting chance against these two lofty competitors.