Festival of Voices 2022: Big Sing Bonfire event springs spectacular surprise

Hundreds took part in the Festival of Voices Big Sing Bonfire event in Hobart, but it was the spectacular finish that surprised many. VIDEO, WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK >>>

SONGS rang out across Hobart on Saturday night as the Festival of Voices reached its crescendo with the Big Sing Bonfire.

Hundreds of revellers gathered to sing and dance together on a crisp and clear evening at Macquarie Point, as the night was capped off with a stunning fireworks display that came as a surprise to the crowd.

Helped by choirs on the stage and embedded in corners of the crowd, people committed themselves to harmonising and hitting every high note as the group took on “River Deep, Mountain High”.

The Stranded Wailers. Big Sing as part of Festival of Voices at Macquarie Point. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The raucous rendition of the 1960s classic hit came after performances from many of the festival’s acts, including crowd favourites Maria Lurighi, The Loveys, and The Stranded Wailers.

The Wailers, a sea shanty supergroup from Hobart, told the crowd their members were comprised mostly of men called Dave.

Dave McNamara said he was pleased the group were able to fit in a second song this year after being “run off stage” halfway through their set in 2021.

Friends Isabelle Heinken and Madison Heidenreich of Hobart. Big Sing as part of Festival of Voices at Macquarie Point. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“That was good, we’re going to aim to keep doubling our set each year,” he joked.

The Wailers had sung together for close to a decade in pubs but had taken off in the past two years, Jason Lunden said.

“It’s definitely evolved … for about eight years it was just guys singing and hanging out in pubs,” he said.

“Since we got the beanies made, we haven’t stopped,” Alex Taylor joked.

Hobart friends Isabelle Heinken and Madison Heidenreich said it was “exciting” to be surrounded by such a lively crowd again.

“It’s incredible, especially after Covid. We’re actually able to gather out here in the open and celebrate something, so it’s just great,” Ms Heidenrich said.

Narelle Crisp and Beccy Groves friends from Brisbane. Big Sing as part of Festival of Voices at Macquarie Point. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Food and beverage vans did a roaring trade on the outskirts, while candles were sold to raise funds for Hobart City Mission.

Mission CEO Harvey Lennon praised the crowd for their support of homeless people in Southern Tasmania.

“It’s so great to see so many people come together to do something as wholesome and uplifting and singing, and I think this is something that our community does so well – lifting one another up with kindness and compassion,” Mr Lennon said.

HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK AT THE FESTIVAL OF VOICES

Sunday July 3

NAIDOC Celebration, The Long House, 1pm

Handel – Four Coronation Anthems, Federation Concert Hall, 2.30pm

Walk With Me, Cascades Female Factory, 3pm

Tuesday July 5

Some Kind of Wonder, Hobart Town Hall, 7pm

The Rose and Co. Cabaret, Hobart Town Hall, 8.30pm

Wednesday July 6

Australian Youth Choir Showcase, Federation Concert Hall, 10am

Eva Cassidy – A Tribute, Hobart Town Hall, 7pm

Celestial Harmonies, St David’s Cathedral, 7.30pm

Thursday July 7

Michael Waugh, Leven Theatre, Ulverstone, 7pm

Mental as Everything, Hobart Town Hall, 7pm

Lior, Hobart Town Hall, 8.30pm

Friday July 8

Reuben Kaye, Hobart Town Hall, 7pm

Karise Eden, Hobart Town Hall, 8.30pm

Saturday July 9

Tenzin Choegyal, Tin Shed, Spring Bay Mill Triabunna, 1pm

Mikelangelo and The Black Sea Gentleman, Theatre Royal, 7.30pm