Singin’ in the Rain: Pub Choir Brings 7000 Singers to Riverstage

On a rainy Wednesday night, more than 7000 enthusiastic singers gathered at the Riverstage for what is considered the largest Pub Choir event of the year.

Participants, undeterred by the rain, wore ponchos and dodged puddles as they came together to raise funds for the Women’s Legal Service Queensland, collecting an impressive $138,000 during the event.

Belinda Edwards, a Pub Choir regular who has attended six concerts in the last two years, expressed her excitement about securing tickets early. "I bought them the day they went on sale because you have to, otherwise you won’t get them," she shared.

Belinda's friend, Pip Wright, initially joked about being 'bullied' into attending but mentioned that it was a “bucket list” experience for her, one that the rain would not stop.

As part of the concert, singers received a fast-paced lesson on the classic song Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli, learning it in a three-part harmony. The night concluded with a grand performance featuring all attendees.

Belinda added, "My teenager came to a concert last month during a tropical storm, so if she can do it, I can do it too!"

Astrid Jorgensen, founder of Pub Choir and a Brisbane local, created this event in 2017 based on her background in teaching school choirs. She believes that everyone can sing, albeit some may not be great at it. "What a way to finish the year," she exclaimed, referring to the joy of conducting 7000 singers under the stars while raising money for charity.

Festive spirit was also represented by attendees such as Kristal, Ashlee, Emma, and Karlee, who wore matching Christmas pajamas and shared their commitment to always secure a front-row spot at the event.

Nadia Bromley, the chief executive of Women’s Legal Service Queensland, expressed gratitude for the vital funds raised. The organization has been supporting women and children for over 40 years by providing free legal services and counseling to those facing family and domestic violence.

Looking ahead, Pub Choir is set to return in 2025, with a show already sold out for March in Sydney. A video capturing the final performance from the Brisbane crowd is expected to be released in the near future.

singing, event, charity, community