The Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival will run across 10 massive days. Festival goers come from far and wide to check out the atmosphere and make memories. Some love it so much they attend ever single year!
THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
There is plenty of free entertainment along with ticketed shows if people prefer to sit down and see their favourite artists in venues. Attending the festival and experiencing the main street (Peel Street) lined with buskers is something to put on your bucket list.
This is a non-gated Festival, with the Tamworth CBD coming alive over 10 huge days and nights of all genres of country music, plus food trucks, stalls and roaming entertainment. Toyota Park Stage (the main stage) features a concert each night of the Festival – this is free – and people can bring a camp chair or picnic rug to watch the show. The Toyota FanZone Stage features artists from morning until night and is in the main street; and Golden Gig, sponsored by Macca’s stage features young talent.
The Toyota Golden Guitar Awards is the pinnacle awards event for country music. These awards showcase the cream of Australian country music artists, and the songs that have left their mark on the fans throughout the past 12 months. The night features an array of artists performing on stage, with the winners of the Golden Guitars announced.
There are also stacks of ticketed shows to see your favourite country music artists on stage, plus hundreds of venues have live music all throughout the Festival.
ARTISTS AND TICKETS
The first artist line-up has been announced and so far it includes Troy Cassar-Daley, Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Suzi Quatro, Amber Lawrence, Fanny Lumsden, Kasey Chambers, Travis Collins, Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley (recently on the Amazing Race), Andrew Farriss, the Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes and stacks more. All shows are listed at tcmf.com.au/whatson and updated as more come in.
TALENT COMPS
Toyota Star Maker is Australia’s longest running country music competition. It is the most prestigious annual country music talent search for those 18 years and over. Aspiring artists are invited to compete for the coveted Toyota Star Maker title and prize package. Entries are open until September, with the top 10 finalists to be selected to perform on Toyota Park Stage during the Festival.
Golden Gig, sponsored by Macca’s competition provides the opportunity for young country music artists to display their talent and kick-start their musical journey. This competition is for those under 18 years of age.
THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND TAMWORTH WHILE YOU’RE HERE FOR THE FESTIVAL
The National Guitar Museum features famous replicas, signed guitars and profiles of superstars that played them (think Smoky Dawson, QUEEN’s Brian May, KISS’s Paul Stanley, Tommy Emmanuel and Keith Urban).
Other attractions include Hanging Rock Lookout, Oxley Scenic Lookout and Flagstaff walking trails, Tamworth Regional Astronomy Centre, Country Music Wax Museum, Barraba Silo Art, Big Golden Guitar, Bendemeer Pub for a nice lunch by the river, Tamworth Kootingal Horse Riding Adventures, ABCRA National Finals Rodeo and the Country Music Parade. For more inspiration on things to do in the Tamworth region, visit tamworthregion.com.au/your-local-guide.
WHERE TO CAMP FOR THE FESTIVAL
The Riverside Camping Grounds (unpowered) is a central camping location next to the Peel River and just minutes walk from the musical hype and action in the Tamworth CBD. Caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers and tents are all welcome. There are toilet/shower amenity blocks including an accessible toilet and shower, along with a canteen.
There are also plenty of powered/unpowered camping and caravan parks in and around Tamworth. You’ll find a list of these at tcmf.com.au.
FESTIVAL TIPS
It can be very hot! Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat and water bottles to fill up at drinking stations around town. Maybe book a show for hotter parts of the day, or find a club/pub to sit down inside and have some lunch.
