Festival of Voices marks its 20th anniversary with 10 days of music across Tasmania.
What started as a grassroots gathering of singers and music lovers in 2005 has evolved into Australia’s premier vocal festival, and this winter’s milestone edition promises to be the biggest yet. Festival of Voices 2025 spans 10 days from 27 June to 6 July, transforming Hobart and beyond into a winter wonderland of harmonies, world music, choral masterpieces and crowd-favourite singalongs.
The anniversary celebration brings together an extraordinary lineup that honours the festival’s rich history while embracing cutting-edge talent. From stirring performances of Verdi’s Requiem to intimate workshops with international artists, this year’s program showcases the transformative power of the human voice across cultures, generations and genres.
Festival of Voices
- Where: Hobart and regional Tasmania
- When: Friday, 27 June to Sunday, 6 July, 2025
- Highlights: Over 70 events across multiple venues
- Tickets: Available at festivalofvoices.com
Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
Festival of Voices lineup
- Verdi’s Requiem (conducted by David Lawrence)
- Vika & Linda
- Michelle Brasier
- HAYA Band
- Salama
- Beccy Cole
- The Velvetones
- Vince Jones
- Paul Grabowsky
- Monique Brumby
- David Bridie
- The Australian Voices
- Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir
- DENNI
- Mamma Rosa
- Bonsai Band
- Christopher Kiver
- Wolfefolk
- Tuck Shop Ladies
- Wheelie Bin Orchestra
- IO Performance
International stars meet local legends
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The festival’s commitment to cultural diversity shines through its international programming, with artists travelling from China, Spain, Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand and across Australia. One of the headline acts, HAYA Band, brings their mesmerising fusion of traditional Mongolian throat singing and contemporary world music in Migration, marking their Australian debut after winning multiple international awards.
From Réunion Island, dynamic group Salama delivers two unforgettable performances celebrating Maloya music and dance, while the innovative collaboration Waiata, Cançons, Lieder weaves together Māori, Catalan and German vocal traditions in a spellbinding cross-cultural exchange. These performances represent more than entertainment; they’re cultural bridges connecting Tasmania to global singing traditions.
Closer to home, Australian music royalty Vika & Linda bring their genre-spanning harmonies to Theatre Royal, while country legend Beccy Cole leads the beloved Country Pub Chorus in both Longley and St Helens. The festival also features the return of jazz luminaries Vince Jones and Paul Grabowsky for an anniversary celebration, alongside a moving collaboration between Monique Brumby and David Bridie.
Comedy meets music in Michelle Brasier’s award-winning show Average Bear, a darkly funny exploration of life, legacy and genetics that perfectly captures the festival’s embrace of diverse vocal expressions. The Australian Voices return with multiple performances, while The Velvetones make their much-anticipated comeback to festival stages.
Community singing takes centre stage
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At its heart, Festival of Voices remains committed to participatory music-making, with The Big Sing continuing as the festival’s flagship free event. This mass choral experience at Princes Wharf 1 Forecourt embodies the festival’s founding spirit of bringing people together through song, regardless of experience or ability.
The festival introduces exciting new community events this year, including the Apple Shed Shindig at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed in the Huon Valley. This cosy evening features local and interstate artists including Mamma Rosa and five-piece Bonsai Band, creating an intimate celebration of regional music culture with cider, snacks and plenty of good cheer.
Bangers and Mash Ups promises the ultimate feel-good singalong experience, transforming guilty pleasure anthems into roof-raising communal celebrations. Meanwhile, workshops ranging from songwriting masterclasses to choir development sessions ensure that learning remains central to the festival experience.
The festival’s Pop-up Program continues to surprise audiences with spontaneous musical moments in public spaces across the state, while regional events in St Helens, Franklin and beyond demonstrate the festival’s commitment to bringing music to communities throughout Tasmania.
Classical grandeur meets contemporary innovation
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The festival’s artistic pinnacle arrives with the first Tasmanian staging of Verdi’s Requiem since the 1970s, conducted by internationally acclaimed maestro David Lawrence. This once-in-a-generation performance features full orchestra, chorus and soloists, representing one of the most ambitious classical presentations in the festival’s history.
This monumental work exemplifies how Festival of Voices has grown from humble beginnings into a cultural institution capable of presenting world-class performances. The festival now regularly attracts 30,000 people during its 10-day run, establishing itself as a vital economic and cultural driver for Tasmania’s winter tourism.
The milestone anniversary reflects remarkable achievement in Australia’s festival landscape. Over two decades, Festival of Voices has weathered changing musical trends, economic pressures and global challenges while maintaining its core mission of celebrating the human voice in all its forms.
Festival founder Neil Cameron’s original vision of creating something special during Tasmania’s coldest months has flourished beyond imagination. The festival now stands as testament to the power of community, creativity and the universal language of song, proving that voices united can create magic even in the depths of winter.
From intimate cathedral concerts to massive outdoor singalongs, from traditional folk songs to contemporary compositions, Festival of Voices 2025 offers something for every music lover. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or someone who simply loves to sing along, this 20th anniversary celebration promises to be unforgettable.
For more information, head here.
