Backyard crooners to create one Big Sing

TASMANIANS are being encouraged to light their backyard fire pits and challenge their neighbours to a sing-off as the Festival of Voices’ Big Sing is held online next month.

The coronavirus pandemic resulted in the annual winter music festival being cancelled, but organisers wanted to ensure the Big Sing could still go ahead online as a way to spread joy within the community and celebrate winter.

Now in its 16th year, the Big Sing traditionally welcomes thousands of visiting and local singers, choirs and families to gather ceremoniously around an enormous bonfire in Salamanca Place to sing in unison.

This year, a chorus of singers including Karen Lee Andrews, The Velvetones, Nicole and Scott Farrow and Uncle Gus and the Rimshots will present an online version, which can be enjoyed on Facebook and ABC radio on July 3.

The featured song is R&B classic (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher,

which was recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1967 and has been covered by Dolly Parton,

Jimmy Barnes, Rod Stewart and Bruce Springsteen.

Festival of Voices marketing manager Jen Murnaghan said the festival team was excited the event could go ahead, despite the pandemic, and urged Tasmanians to enjoy singing in their back gardens or armchairs.

“This setback motivated us to dream up another way for us to gather and remind ourselves how special it is to sing,’’ she said.

“We encourage families and friends to join together around their own fire pits or fireplaces at home and sing along to this well-known, joyful, heart-lifting song – and maybe even challenge your neighbours to a sing-off.’’

Join the Big Sing(along) on Friday July 3 at 5.30pm on Facebook and ABC Radio.