Thousands of Tasmanians will sing together on Hobart’s waterfront tonight as one of the state’s biggest winter festivals gets under way.
The Festival of Voices will open its 21st year with The Big Sing, a free community singalong at Princes Wharf 1 from 5:30pm.
It marks the start of a ten-day program of more than 380 events across the state, running until July 12.
Artistic director Shaun Rennie said singing was something people used to do together all the time, but had slowly handed over to the professionals.
“Since humans first gathered, we gathered in song. It’s how we formed communities and over the last 50 years to 100 years or so, especially in the Western culture, we’ve given that away,” he said.
“Singing is something that we now watch or listen to on our headphones. But Festival of Voices is here to change that.”
This year’s program includes close to 3,500 singers, more than 260 pop-up performances and 98 ticketed events.
Headline shows include a cabaret set from David Campbell and Older. Wiser. Louder., featuring Casey Donovan and Deborah Cheetham Fraillon.
A new Youth Open Mic event, run with the Youth Arts and Recreation Centre, will give young performers a stage for the first time.
The festival is also heading further north this year, with shows in Burnie and other regional towns.
Rennie said the event tapped into something Tasmania did better than anywhere else.
“Tasmania does three things incredibly well for humanity – nature, community and culture,” he said.
“Festival of Voices leans into those three things.”
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the council backed the festival through a $72,000 events partnership.
She said it drew more than 35,000 people in 2025 and an estimated $4.7 million in visitor spending.
“It’s a standout example of how vibrant, accessible events not only bring people together but also strengthen Hobart’s reputation as a leading cultural destination,” Reynolds said.
The state government has committed to funding the festival until 2028.
Liberal MP Marcus Vermey encouraged people to take part.
“If you’re coming down for air, fill your lungs and get out there, sing a song,” he said.
