Tasmania’s Festival of Voices is set to hit its biggest high note yet, welcoming more than 3,200 singers from around the world as it kicks off its 20th anniversary celebrations tonight.
The ten-day winter festival is expected to attract 33,000 people across 300 events, with 105 choirs performing everywhere from cosy pop-ups to grand concerts at major venues.
Festival General Manager Nadine Rowell said ticket sales had already surpassed last year’s numbers ahead of tonight’s Big Sing bonfire event, which will feature artists like Beccy Cole, Salama and Monique Brumby.
“This is our biggest festival we’ve ever had,” Rowell said at today’s launch.
The event has expanded its community reach this year, with 235 free pop-up performances happening across the state – up from 170 in 2024.
These performances aim to bring music to regional communities and get people of all abilities involved.
“We encourage every level of singer to sing,” Rowell said. “We have all sorts of singers coming down from your shower singers, your pub singers, right through to your A-grade choirs.”
The Hobart City Council chipped in $70,000 in funding to support the festival, adding to the state government’s $2.25 million investment over three years.
Councillor Gemma Kitsos said the event, which runs through to next week, had become crucial for activating the city during winter.
“This festival brings so much to enliven and activate our city and our community,” Kitsos said. “It is actually a world-class festival and it is incredibly unique.”
The anniversary celebrations will culminate in the “Cheers to 20 Years” concert, featuring contemporary artists alongside community choirs and sing-along performances.
“This is a culmination of all sorts of different genres of music,” Rowell said.
“We have everything from contemporary artists right through to our amazing choirs. Anyone can participate. We’re having lots of sing-along songs and it’s a real celebration of the voice.”
Tonight’s Big Sing bonfire kicks off at 5pm at Princes Wharf 1, with organisers expecting up to 3,000 people to join in the opening festivities.
