Public Sing-A-Long

Random Acts of Kindness Approved Activities List
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Societal Issues Targeted:

  • Breaking down social barriers through shared musical experience
  • Promoting community connection and activities in public spaces which unite
  • Increased opportunities to build confidence through group participation


“When we sing together, we create a harmony that transcends our differences”
― Peter Sharp, The Liberators International

Aims

To promote the organising of public sing-a-long’s and use the power of singing together to create healthier, happier communities and individuals.

Intro

Public Sing-A-Longs transform ordinary daily life into extraordinary, vibrant and joyful experiences of collective connection. This simple yet powerful activity reminds us that music has the unique ability to unite people across all boundaries, and everyone already knows how to join in.

Background

The concept of public sing-a-longs has deep roots in human history, from ancient tribal gatherings to modern flash mobs. Our good friends Peter Sharp and The Liberators International have pioneered this as a global flash-mob style Public Happiness Activity. Their World’s Biggest Sing-A-Long events have brought together thousands of people across hundreds of countries, creating moments of pure joy and connection in public spaces.


Beach sing-a-long in Vancouver by Jacques ‘the party scientist’ Martiquet

Benefits

Research shows that singing together:

  • Releases endorphins and reduces stress
  • Creates stronger social bonds
  • Improves mood and emotional well-being
  • Builds confidence and self-expression
  • Fosters a sense of belonging

What Do I Need?

  1. A portable speaker or sound system
  2. Song lyrics printed or displayed (optional)
  3. A playlist of well-known, uplifting songs
  4. A welcoming attitude and enthusiasm
  5. Optional: Props like tambourines or maracas to share

How?

  1. Choose a location with good foot traffic but enough space for a gathering
  2. Start with a small group of confident singers
  3. Sing universally known songs
  4. Invite passers-by to join in with signs or an announcement
  5. Make sure anyone who does not want to participate has space and opportunity to easily avoid the activity, and cannot feel trapped in by it
  6. Announce what you will be doing and when, giving a little time so anyone who doesn’t wish to be around people singing in a public space, to move away
  7. Keep the energy high and maintain a welcoming atmosphere.

Pro-Tips:

  • Start with simple, well-known songs that everyone can sing along to
  • Have song leaders who can guide the melody
  • Hand out lyric sheets and bring heaps of spare to give out. It makes it much easier to join in.
  • Match the song selection to your location and audience
  • Assign a few of the signingers who came with you (if you didn’t go alone) as greeters,
    to chat with people who want to know more about what you’re doing and why.

Resources

Legal Considerations

The right to gather and sing is a human right. It’s also uncommon, so it’s not uncommon for police and security to come and ask where your permits are. Let them know that you’re simply a group of people coming together to create a sing-a-long, and there’s no money being collected. Its unlikely they’ll still want you to move along once they understand what you’re doing.

Research Supporting Personal and Social Benefits of Public Singing