A few weeks ago, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers organisers dropped some HUGE news – this year will see the first ever Carnival Choir formed, with the challenge now well under way to register 800 singers of all ages and abilities for the EPIC performance at the Heritage Bank Festival of Food and Wine in Queens Park on Sunday September 22 (prior to Australia’s own ‘voice’, the legendary John Farnham!).
The titles of the two almighty rock anthems the Carnival Choir will perform have just been revealed and singers only have three weeks to get their voice into tip-top condition!
The first is an Australian 80’s rock classic. Released in 1985 and spending 14 weeks in the Australian charts, it was even performed at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. That’s right, it’s Jimmy Barnes’ Working Class Man.
The second tune is another iconic 80’s karaoke favourite. Released in 1986 by a band boasting some of the biggest hair of the era (and that’s saying a lot), it went to number one all over the world! It’s Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer.
The Carnival Choir will be led by well-known Toowoomba musician, entertainer and host, Ruby Slipperz. The choir will perform these two legendary tunes after Brisbane brass fuelled funk festival band Cheap Fakes and before iconic Australian band Dragon. To close the opening weekend, the man himself John Farnham will perform in front of an expected capacity crowd.
No previous singing experience is necessary to join the choir and there are still positions available, however prospective singers should register quickly!
The Carnival Choir – what you need to know:
- Registration is free; however, tickets must be purchased to attend the Heritage Bank Festival of Food and Wine (Sunday).
- Register here www.tcof.com.au/choir
- There will be one practice session on Wednesday September 18.
- Carnival Choir members will all receive a limited-edition t-shirt to wear at the performance.
The Carnival Choir is just one standout in a record program of events for the 70th Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, a celebration which shines over 10 days as Australia’s most beautiful event. From September 20 to 29, over 1,100 hectares of public parks and private gardens will be on display this year, with more than 180,000 bulbs and seedlings in full bloom.
The program features 77 events (up from 66 last year), including award-winning parks and private gardens, internationally acclaimed music acts and some of the best food and wine experiences in the state! Plus, the Grand Central Floral Parade that stops the city!
“The 70th Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers will begin on what we call Floral Friday (September 20) with the launch of the Heritage Bank Festival of Food & Wine in Queens Park together with the opening of private gardens in The Chronicle Garden Competition, four magnificent Toowoomba Exhibition Gardens and the commencement of entertainment and tour programs across our extraordinary public parks and spaces throughout the city,” said Cr McDonald.
“What makes Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers so special is that there is so much to experience – if you love emerging music, we have that. If you are a gardener, we have plenty! If you are a foodie, then prepare for flavour overload. If you love a low and slow BBQ with a beer to match, that’s easy! If you are here for gardening tips and tricks, then take a seat. If wine is your thing, then choose a colour! If you want to learn the history of our classic pubs, experience a Tombstone Tour, be wowed by an amazing teapot exhibition or be surrounded by hanging flower baskets, then we also have all that!”
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