Lakeside - Day 6

A sleep in was welcome, and meant we could have a leisurely breakfast before a rehearsal outside. Today we are scheduled for a concert that we didn't actually nominate ourselves for, but the Festival Committee placed us on the list so we have agreed to sing. At the civilised hour of 11.30am we left in the coach for Lago d'Anterselva . An hours coach ride away, this location is stunning with a backdrop of high mountain peaks around a large still lake. We were at a height of 1642m : we had once again joined the choral mile high club. We sang there on a programme with four other choirs from all over Europe with a performance that was unique and unforgettable. It was then back in the coach for the ride into San Candido for the Choirs Parade. This is a integral part of the Festival, where all 80 odd participating choirs march through the town and assemble in the central piazza and sing together. The choirs march in alphabetical order of country, so we were second behind St Mark's from Melbourne. After rousing renditions of Waltzing Matilda, Advance Australia Fair, I Still Call Australia Home and other Australian songs with the St Mark's kids while we waited in the marshaling area, we were off behind a brass band for the march through the town. The streets were lined with locals and choir partners and supporters. They gave us a rousing reception as we wound our way into the town centre, where we waited in the sun while all the other choirs filled in behind us, taking almost an hour. All choirs then sang together for Va Pensierro and Signore Del Cime - over two thousand voices singing together, which was amazing. The back to our hotel, arriving just before 7.00pm with time for a quiet drink before another five course dinner. Then several of us adjourned to the bar for a wind down after a busy Festival. Our singing is done for Italy - tomorrow is just the official conclusion with presentation of attendance certificates, and then off to Austria !
For footage of the march, check out our Facebook page that will be updated as soon as the internet connections allow..