Site of The Singing Revolution
Between 1986 and 1991, while there was violent turmoil and struggle for independence from the Soviet Union in the other Baltic states, Estonians courageously and peacefully demanded that the Soviets recognize their country’s right to statehood and self-governance. The revolutionary songs they created anchored Estonia’s struggle for freedom, which was ultimately accomplished in 1991 without the loss of a single life. The Estonian activist Heinz Valk, who first dubbed Estonia's resistance the "Singing Revolution", said proudly of his countrymen, "Until now, revolutions have been filled with destruction, burning, killing, and hate, but we started our revolution with a smile and a song." Singing fueled the non-violent revolution that defeated a very violent occupation.
Song Festival Tradition
The Estonian Song Festival (In Estonian: Laulupidu) is one of the largest amateur choral events in the world, a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It is held every five years in July on the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds (Lauluväljak).
The joint choir has usually comprised 30,000 singers performing to an audience of 80,000.
The Song Festival Ground was built in the 1960s for Song Festivals.
Last half a century has changed its status to be the symbol of dignity, freedom and freshness. Under this arch we have sung ourselves free and during their world tours different pop- and rockstars have performed here.
Tallinn Song Festival Grounds
Paradox - Now it is also the site for the biggest Beer Festival in Estonia
For the last 20 years Song Festival Grounds is the place for the biggest concerts and stars and also for one of the most controversial festivals in Estonia - Õllesummer - The Beer Festival.
It has been a constant issue for the public health and child protection organisations as it is advertised as a family event. Each year there are problems with underage drinking.
History of Song Festivals
The tradition of the song festival was born along with Estonian national awakening. The first national song festival was held in Tartu in the summer of 1869. One of the organisers of the first song festival was Johann Voldemar Jannsen. In the first three festivals only men's choirs and brass orchestras participated. 822 singers and 56 brass players participated in the first festival. Starting with the fourth festival, mixed choirs were also participating. Starting with the sixth festival in 1896, the festival tradition moved to Tallinn.
Special Conference center
The Song Festival Grounds have been organising conferences since 1997. They provide services to about 100 events each year, from training courses to international conferences. With great location, a large variety of rooms with different functions, high-class contemporary furniture, free parking in front of the building and good reputation among their clients - it is a special place to come together.
The Song Festival Grounds offer different solutions for organising conferences and training courses in indoor rooms. For major conferences and training courses, the Glass Hall on the second floor is the most suitable. It allows to seat up to 750 people.