Choir of Hard Knocks in Daylesford

Chillout Festival held annually in Daylesford is a nationally celebrated and culturally important pride event, representing and supporting Queer pride for regional people.

This year Hygge Property were proud to sponsor a performance by the Choir of Hard Knocks at Carnivale, one of the Festival’s main events.

Now in their 16th year, the Choir of Hard Knocks has a profound effect on the lives of its members, working towards overcoming social isolation and homelessness through the joy and connection of singing.

With weekly rehearsals, the ongoing and regular contact gives many of the members personal confidence and self-esteem. Some of the original 52 members have gone back to part or full time work and study.

ChillOut has grown from humble beginnings in 1997 to become Australia’s largest Queer country festival, with this year’s festival the biggest to date. With blue skies and record numbers, the Hepburn and regional Queer communities celebrated over the March long weekend with more than 50 events located across Daylesford.

The Choir performing at Carnivale. Image by Michelle Donnelly.