Start exercising those facial muscles. With the World Buskers' Festival just over a month away it is time for Christchurch residents to get into training.

If you haven't had much to smile about over the past year, the belly-laughing which inevitably accompanies the World Buskers Festival could prove quite taxing on your body.

We advise you warm-up for the 10-day event by smiling at least five times every day for the next month. Doing sit-ups at least three times a week will give your tummy muscles a work-out so they're in shape for the laugh fest.

"People have been known to pull a muscle because they are laughing so hard so it does pay to do some prep work before the festival begins,'' festival director Jodi Wright says with a laugh.

"We've got a great line-up assembled for the 2010 festival including some of New Zealand's best comedians so it's going to be hard for anyone to walk away from the festival without a big grin on their face.

"In terms of the international line-up we've got four-time world juggling champions, The Raspyni Brothers, the stars of the 2008 Toronto International Circus Festival, the Acrobuffos the strongest lady alive, Betty Brawn,and former circus clown and elephant jumper Joe Dieffenbacher, as well as festival favourites The Daredevil Chicken Club and Mario Queen of the Circus.

"All these guys know how to work a crowd and are the best in the world at what they do. They really are incredible performers and you don't want to miss seeing them in action,'' Ms Wright says.

For the first time, the festival also includes performances by a swag of Kiwi bands and international street musicians.

"It's going to a be a full-on 10 days but all the shows are staged within easy walking distance of each other and are scheduled so people can work their way around them all. If you want, we can have you laughing from 11am in the morning to 11pm at night,'' says Ms Wright.

The World Buskers' Festival starts on Thursday January 21 (pm) and runs through until Sunday January 31. For more information on the festival programme go to www.worldbuskersfestival.com.