Carried by the wind, sea shanties and nautical notes will echo across the Festival precinct. The 2025 entertainment program promises a vibrant lineup, featuring free live entertainment, interactive performances, roving musicians, and family-friendly activities that bring maritime culture to life for all ages.
Ironhouse Waterside Tavern
Step into the Ironhouse Brewery Waterside Tavern, the Festival’s ultimate pop-up by the sea. Grab a drink, feast on great food, bust a move or soak up the sun while watching the boats and people at play. With an eclectic lineup of rock, pop, folk, jazz, Celtic beats, storytellers, and shanty bands, the vibes flow all day and well into the night.
- Food & Beverage Stalls
- Large hoecker marquee
- Outdoor Area
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Long table & bench seating
- Ambient lighting
- Temporary toilets
Baby Come Tack
Tasmania’s premier Yacht Rock tribute band, Baby Come Tack, will have you singing and dancing your boat shoes off to the smoothest hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Enjoy music from Hall and Oates, Toto, America, Little River Band, The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Earth, Wind & Fire, Player, and more!
The Grubby Urchins
On the nebulous intersection of trad jazz, sea shanty and good ol’ fashioned folk sit a duo of happy-go-lucky young Melburnians. The Grubby Urchins. Armed with heady harmonies and intrepid instrumentals, the Urchins wage their reckless stylistic war on songs old and new, leaving audiences grinning in politeness and confusion and wondering where the youth of today went wrong.
Sugartrain
For over 20 years, this dynamic seven-piece ensemble has mesmerised audiences with their captivating multi part harmonies and an extensive setlist of over 300 songs. From disco and rock to pop, jazz, and funk, Sugartrain knows exactly how to kick off the party and keep the energy high!
Ngā Mātai Pūrua
Experience the beauty and spirit of Māori culture with Ngā Mātai Pūrua Inc., a not-for-profit organisation based in Melbourne. Through powerful kapa haka performances, traditional songs, and engaging cultural workshops, they bring the rich traditions of Aotearoa to life. Don’t miss this unique journey into the heart of Māori heritage!
Black Swans of Trespass
Funky, soulful, with a swampy, punky edge and rich Mento/Jamaican core, the Black Swans of Trespass takes to the stage with charisma and defiance. They will make you dance, love and rebel.
Clover Hitch
Clover Hitch is a three-piece band who play nautical and Irish infused music with pizazz! Ange on fiddle and vocals, Matt on guitar, ukulele and vocals and Anna on bodhran, guitar and vocals.
Reeba Von Diamond
Reeba von Diamond loves to party. Her band of fabulous Jazz players make hot tunes with old favourites. Gymnastic lead breaks, shiny threads and high energy tunes put fun at the centre of their improv. Never the same show twice.
Les Coqs Incroyables
Les Coqs Incroyables is a hatchling of the popular Hobart swing band, the Red Hot Roosters and performs many old classic swing tunes, jazz standards and crazy songs about birds and other fauna with infectious rhythm and energy.
Greg Wells & The Blackwater Band
Greg Wells & The Blackwater Band are a Hobart, Tasmania based band. Their music tells the story of inspiring people and places, with a touch of humour and melancholy — and the occasional sea shanty.
Southside Steppers
The Southside Steppers bring high energy performances and downright awesome vibes wherever they go. They take pride in creating a Funky New Orleans street party atmosphere with roving brass and percussion playing a mix of New Orleans street funk, pop, RnB and soul.
Day Star Duo
DayStar Duo perform ballads and easy listening music from the 50s to the 90s, alongside Country, Old Standards, Australiana, Aussie Rock, Rock’n’Roll, Rat-Pack and Tropicana.
The Foley Artists
As a trio, the Foley Artists are known for playing a blend of Celtic and Bluegrass with an emphasis on improvisation. The driving rhythm of guitar and banjo allow the amazing fiddle sounds to mesmerize audiences.
The Stranded Wailers
The Stranded Wailers are a ragtag group of enthusiastic shanty singers stranded at the end of the world – Hobart, Tasmania.
Handsome Molly
Handsome Molly will take you on an acoustic journey through folk, country and blues originals and covers. The combination of cello, guitar and banjo drives an original and rich sound.
Wolfe & Thorn
Wolfe & Thorn bring traditional folk music to life with their unique flair and creative twists. Driven by a shared passion for folk and heritage music, this dynamic ensemble weaves together melodies from Tasmania, Australia, Scotland, Ireland, England, and Jamaica.
Matt & Abby
This talented brother-sister duo brings a fresh, unique twist to your favourite hits, from iconic ’80s classics to today’s chart-toppers. Whether you’re after laid-back vibes or high-energy dancefloor anthems, Matt & Abby deliver a performance that’s sure to hit the right note.
Westwood & Doyle
Westwood & Doyle deliver soulful grooves and bluesy renditions of classics by artists like Bill Withers and Otis Redding, alongside contemporary hits from John Mayer and Ed Sheeran. From laid-back vibes to high-energy dancefloor anthems by Stevie Wonder, The Doobie Brothers, and Amy Winehouse, they bring something for everyone.
Dan & Bianca
Dan Vandermeer, a Hobart-based singer-songwriter and guitarist, is a regular performer at some of the city’s most iconic venues. Joined by Bianca, this talented duo blends soulful vocals and dynamic musicianship to create unforgettable performances that showcase both original songs and beloved classics.
The Royal Australian Navy Band (The Tasmanian Contingent)
The RAN Tasmania Rock Band is an exciting and energetic ensemble that’S well regarded throughout the state as a passionate and forward thinking group, with repertoire ranging from 70s classic rock to modern day pop music. Tony is joined on stage by his son, Max – a young, bass-playing prodigy, who is himself bound to become an integral part of the Tasmanian music scene. With an extensive and well-curated repertoire, the Tony Mak Duo is guaranteed to provide the perfect soundtrack for your night’s festivities.
Mak Duo
Tony Mak is one of Tasmania’s most sought-after performers with over 25 years live-performance experience. A regular at Hobart’s best venues and at countless major events across the state (including the 2022 Tasmanian Export Awards and Tasmanian Tourism Awards) he has also supported legendary Australian artists Kate Ceberano and Thirsty Merc.
Tony is joined on stage by his son, Max – a young, bass-playing prodigy, who is himself bound to become an integral part of the Tasmanian music scene. With an extensive and well-curated repertoire, the Tony Mak Duo is guaranteed to provide the perfect soundtrack for your night’s festivities.
Olivia & Joe Wilson
Olivia & Joe Wilson are a brother-sister duo originating from a coastal community on the outskirts of Hobart, Tasmania. Olivia and Joe both have a wide range of musical experience, operating as soloists and in various bands/ensembles for many years. After playing music together for over 20 years (i.e. since nappies!), these accomplished multi-instrumentalists have finally joined forces to produce an emotional, exciting and (sometimes!) groovy musical experience.
Martine Holliday
Bringing together years of experience on the Nipaluna/Hobart music scene, the Martine Holliday Trio is a dynamic act delivering soulful, high-energy performances. Featuring powerhouse vocalist Martine Holliday, groove-driven bassist Kyle Hawkins, and the effortlessly smooth Dan Jackson on guitar, this trio blends soul, pop, R&B, funk, and all the classics into an unforgettable live experience. With a tight, infectious groove and a deep love for the music they play, the trio brings fresh energy to timeless hits. Their repertoire spans legends like Bill Withers, Gloria Gaynor, Chappell Roan, and Stevie Wonder, ensuring a setlist that keeps audiences hooked from start to finish. Individually, they’ve played some of the region’s top venues and festivals, and together they create an electrifying sound that’s perfect for intimate gigs, high-energy events, and festival stages alike. With Martine’s commanding vocals, Kyle’s intricate bass lines, and Dan’s seamless guitar flow, the Martine Holliday Trio delivers a show that’s not to be missed!
Parlour Band
Songs you may have heard but broken down and funked for a quarter parlour.
Roving & Floating Entertainment
Sea Shanty Circus
Sea Shanties are work songs performed by sailors as they went about the repetitive daily tasks involved in operating sailing vessels. Sea Shanty Circus uses the metaphor of circus skills to emulate the work performed on sailing ships. Even the flags on the boat spell “circus”. Enjoy this unique interactive experience as they create their own world on their self-contained stage/boat/tricycle in a show full of sea shanties, circus, theatre and fun.
Fiddle Me Timbers
Batten down the hatches and follow the sound of the sea! In 2025, “Fiddle Me Timbers” brings the ocean’s spirit to life with lively sea shanties and hornpipes. Roaming Kings Pier, this one-man, one-fiddle act will lift the spirits of sailors and landlubbers alike. Whether you’re swabbing the deck or hoisting the mainsail, let the fiddler’s bow transport you to a world of maritime mischief. Grab your crew and let the music guide your seafaring adventure—no boat required!
Southside Steppers
The Southside Steppers bring high energy performances and downright awesome vibes wherever they go. They take pride in creating a Funky New Orleans street party atmosphere with roving brass and percussion playing a mix of New Orleans street funk, pop, RnB and soul.
Sisongke Community Choir
Sisongke is a joyous, dynamic, predominantly a Capella community choir based in Hobart. “Sisongke” means “together” in Zulu, reflecting their origins as an “African” choir. Today, they sing a diverse range of World Music, and sometimes even songs of the sea!
City of Hobart Highland Pipe Band
The City of Hobart Highland Pipe Band is currently the largest pipe band in Tasmania with over thirty playing members. The Band has a broad repertoire of marches, slow airs, strathspeys, jigs, reels and hornpipes.
Unveiling the Incat Floating Stage
We’re excited to unveil INCAT’s floating stage, debuting at the 2025 Festival! This innovative entertainment pontoon, designed by Festival volunteer Marc Richards and crafted as part of INCAT’s College of Aluminium trainee program, has been made possible with generous support from INCAT along with Boss Polymer, Sunbrella, 42 South Marine, Kedge Marine, and Spectrum Engineering. Get ready for a memorable entertainment experience on the water!
TAVERN ENTERTAINMENT TIMETABLE
| DAY | TIME | ARTIST / PERFORMANCE |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 12:00 - 13:00 | Fallon & Te Crew |
| Friday | 13:00 - 14:00 | Ngā Mātai Pūrua |
| Friday | 14:00 - 15:30 | Jess and Sean |
| Friday | 15:30 – 17:30 | Clover Hitch |
| Friday | 17:30 - 19:30 | Black Swans of Trespass |
| Friday | 20:00 - 23:00 | Sugartrain |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 11:00 | Admiral Lee Nelson |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 11:45 | The Grubby Urchins |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 13:00 | Ngā Mātai Pūrua with Tas Pacific Islanders (TBC) |
| Saturday | 13:00 - 14:00 | Handsome Molly |
| Saturday | 14:00 - 16:00 | Parlour Band |
| Saturday | 16:00 - 17:00 | The Stranded Wailers |
| Saturday | 17:00 - 18:30 | Olivia & Joe Wilson |
| Saturday | 18:30 - 19:30 | Captain O’Brien’s Craic |
| Saturday | 20:30 - 23:00 | The Royal Australian Navy Band Tasmania |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 11:00 | Day Star Duo |
| Sunday | 11:00 - 11:45 | The Grubby Urchins |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 13:00 | Ngā Mātai Pūrua with KITA (TBC) |
| Sunday | 13:00 - 15:00 | Martine Holliday Trio |
| Sunday | 15:00 - 16:00 | The Stranded Wailers |
| Sunday | 16:00 - 17:00 | Greg Wells & The Blackwater Band |
| Sunday | 17:00 - 19:00 | Les Coqs Incroyables |
| Sunday | 19:30 - 20:30 | Captain O’Brien’s Craic |
| Sunday | 21:00 - 23:00 | Baby Come Tack |
| Monday | 10:30 - 11:30 | The Barbarian Ship |
| Monday | 12:30 - 13:30 | The Foley Artists |
PW1 FORECOURT ENTERTAINMENT TIMETABLE
| DAY | TIME | ARTIST / PERFORMANCE |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 15:30 - 16:30 | Wolfe & Thorn |
| Friday | 17:00 - 19:00 | Jess & Sean |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 12:00 | Billy Whitton |
| Saturday | 13:00 - 14:00 | The Grubby Urchins |
| Saturday | 14:00 - 15:00 | Matt & Abby |
| Saturday | 15:00 - 17:00 | Jess and Sean |
| Saturday | 17:00 - 18:00 | The Stranded Wailers |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 11:00 | Tasmanian Heritage Fiddle Ensemble |
| Sunday | 11:00 - 13:00 | Mak Duo |
| Sunday | 13:00 - 14:00 | The Grubby Urchins |
| Sunday | 14:00 - 16:00 | Reeba Von Diamond |
| Sunday | 16:00 - 17:00 | The Stranded Wailers |
| Sunday | 17:00 - 19:00 | Westwood and Doyle |
| Monday | 10:00 - 11:00 | The Grubby Urchins |
| Monday | 11:00 - 12:00 | The Foley Artists |
| Monday | 12:00 - 14:00 | Dan and Bianca |
ROVING ENTERTAINMENT TIMETABLE
| DAY | TIME | ARTIST / PERFORMANCE |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 10:00 - 13:00 | Fiddle Me Timbers |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 13:00 | Hobart Old Time String Band |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 15:00 | pop-up, Up She Rises |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 14:00 | Assembly Strollers |
| Saturday | 14:00 - 17:00 | Sea Shanty Circus |
| Saturday | 14:30 - 16:30 | Hobart Old Time String Band |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 13:00 | Fiddle Me Timbers |
| Sunday | 11:00 - 15:00 | pop-up, Up She Rises |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 14:00 | Southside Steppers |
| Sunday | 13:00 - 16:00 | Sae Shanty Circus |
| Sunday | 14:00 - 16:00 | Sisongke Community Choir |
| Monday | 10:00 - 13:00 | Fiddle Me Timbers |
| Monday | 10:30 - 12:30 | Sisongke Community Choir |
| Monday | 12:00 - 13:00 | The Grubby Urchins |
| Monday | 13:30 - 14:30 | City of Hobart Highland Pipe Band |
