Lexi Webster
Australia's annual country music festival, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, is held in Tamworth, New South Wales. The festival, which is one of the world's biggest country music festivals, celebrates country music culture and heritage and attracts over 800 artists who perform in various venues across the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tamworth Country Music Festival |
| Location | Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia |
| Dates | Mid to late January, sometimes including Australia Day |
| Duration | 10 days |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Year started | 1973 |
| Awards | Golden Guitar Awards |
| Organiser | Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) |
| Notable artists | Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley, Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Colin Buchanan, Melinda Schneider, Beccy Cole, Slim Dusty, Keith Urban |
| Number of artists | Over 800 |
| Number of shows | Over 5000 |
| Attendance | Doubles the city's population |
| Camping | Yes |
| Family-friendly | Yes |
| Pet-friendly | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Tamworth Country Music Festival
The Tamworth Country Music Festival is an annual Australian music festival held in Tamworth, New South Wales. It is held for 10 days from Friday to Sunday in mid to late January, sometimes including Australia Day. The festival is a celebration of country music culture and heritage, with a particular focus on the national Australian country music scene. It features numerous concerts and live performances at various venues across the city.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival is the second biggest country music festival in the world, after the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. It has been included in Forbes' list of the "World's Coolest Music Festivals". The festival attracts a large number of visitors, doubling the city's population and bringing significant tourism and economic benefits to the region.
The festival features a diverse range of music genres, including classic country, bluegrass, country rock, folk, urban country, alternative country, rockabilly, Western swing, and more. It also includes various activities and events such as the Bluegrass Championships, Hands of Fame inductions, the Roll of Renown, rodeo events, Coca-Cola Concerts, and the Toyota Star Maker Quest. The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) also presents the coveted Golden Guitar Award trophies during the festival, which are highly regarded in the Australian country music industry.
The history of the Tamworth Country Music Festival dates back to 1968 when the Tamworth branch of the Modern Country Music Association (now the Capital Country Music Association, CCMA) began a talent quest on the Australia Day long weekend in January. This talent quest, now known as the CCMA National Talent Quest, influenced the development of the festival, which officially began in January 1973. The festival has faced challenges in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the 2021 event being cancelled and the 2022 event postponed. However, it remains a significant event in the country music world, attracting over 800 artists and providing a platform for the careers of many renowned musicians.
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History of the festival
Australia's annual country music festival is held in Tamworth, New South Wales. The festival, also known as the Tamworth Country Music Festival, is a celebration of country music culture and heritage and is considered the second biggest country music festival in the world, after the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival has a rich history that dates back several decades. While the exact beginnings of the festival are often debated, it is believed that the festival evolved from a talent quest initiated by the Tamworth branch of the Modern Country Music Association (now known as the Capital Country Music Association or CCMA) in 1968. This talent quest, known as the CCMA National Talent Quest, was held during the Australia Day long weekend in January and is considered a significant influence on what became the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
In 1969, the local radio station began promoting Tamworth as the "Country Music Capital" and introduced the Australasian Country Music Awards, also known as the Golden Guitar Awards due to their distinctive trophy design. These awards became a pivotal part of the festival and are now considered the pinnacle event of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The awards are highly coveted in the Australian country music industry, with winning artists receiving prestigious Golden Guitar Award trophies.
The first official staging of the festival occurred in January 1973, expanding beyond the awards to include various other activities. These included the Bluegrass Championships, Hands of Fame inductions, the Roll of Renown, rodeo events, Coca-Cola Concerts, and the Toyota Star Maker Quest. Over time, the festival diversified to include a broader range of music styles, reflecting the evolution of the country music genre itself.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival has become a significant cultural event in Australia, attracting over 800 different artists and presenting more than 5000 shows. It has served as a launching pad for the careers of renowned artists such as Keith Urban and Kasey Chambers. The festival typically spans 10 days, from Friday to Sunday in mid to late January, sometimes including Australia Day. During this time, the city of Tamworth comes alive, with visitors from across the country and worldwide, doubling the city's population and bringing significant tourism and economic benefits to the region.
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Festival dates
The Tamworth Country Music Festival is held annually in Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia. The festival is held over 10 days from Friday to Sunday in mid to late January, sometimes including Australia Day. The festival is a celebration of country music culture and heritage and is the second biggest country music festival in the world. It is also one of the world's top ten music festivals, with the city of Tamworth coming alive with visitors from across the country and worldwide.
The festival features numerous concerts and live performances at various venues, with over 800 different artists performing over 5000 shows. Artists who perform regularly include Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley, Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Colin Buchanan, Melinda Schneider, and Beccy Cole. The late Slim Dusty was also a regular performer. The festival is also known for launching the careers of Keith Urban and Kasey Chambers.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival has a diverse range of music genres, including classic country, bluegrass, country rock, folk, urban country, alternative country, rockabilly, Western swing, and country rock'n'roll. The festival also features yodelling, rock, blues, and world music. During the festival, Tamworth's main shopping street, Peel Street, is restricted to pedestrians only.
The festival dates for the upcoming 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival are from 16 to 25 January. The festival program will honour Tamworth's country music legacy while embracing contemporary culture. It will feature a mix of free and ticketed shows, with headliners including Troy Cassar-Daley, Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, and many others.
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Festival events
Australia's annual country music festival is held in Tamworth, New South Wales. The festival is a celebration of country music culture and heritage and attracts many country music, bluegrass, rock, and folk musicians to the city each year. The Tamworth Country Music Festival is held for 10 days from Friday to Sunday in mid to late January, sometimes including Australia Day.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival features various events and activities for attendees to enjoy. Here are some of the highlights:
- Concerts and Live Performances: The festival offers numerous concerts and live performances at different venues throughout the city. These include both free and ticketed shows, showcasing a diverse range of country music talent, from emerging artists to established stars.
- Golden Guitar Awards: The prestigious Golden Guitar Awards, also known as the Country Music Awards of Australia, are a pinnacle event of the festival. These awards celebrate excellence in the country music industry, and winners receive coveted Golden Guitar trophies, miniature replicas of the iconic Golden Guitar statue.
- Talent Quests: The CCMA National Talent Quest, influenced by the early talent quests held on Australia Day long weekends, provides a platform for up-and-coming artists to showcase their skills.
- Rodeo Events: For those who enjoy a bit of cowboy culture, the festival includes rodeo events that showcase the skills and thrills of rodeo riding and related activities.
- Toyota FanZone: Away from the main stages, the Toyota FanZone offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the biggest stars in country music, with over 170 free performances.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Tamworth Country Music Festival is a family-friendly event, featuring a dedicated Family Zone with rides and entertainment for all ages. There are also free concerts in Toyota Park (Bicentennial Park) and busking performances throughout the festival grounds.
- Food and Beverage Options: In addition to the musical offerings, the festival also features a variety of food stalls and dining options, allowing attendees to feast and fuel up between performances.
- Other Musical Styles: While country music is the main focus, the festival has diversified to include other musical styles, such as bluegrass, country rock, folk, urban country, and even rock and blues performances.
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Golden Guitar Awards
Australia's annual country music festival, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, is held in Tamworth, New South Wales. The festival is a celebration of country music culture and heritage, attracting many country music, bluegrass, rock, and folk musicians to the city each year. It is the second biggest country music festival in the world, after the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival is held annually for 10 days from Friday to Sunday in mid to late January, sometimes including Australia Day. During the festival, the city of Tamworth comes alive with visitors from across the country and worldwide, with the enormous number of visitors doubling the city's population.
The festival features the world's top country music stars, with a mix of free and ticketed shows. There are also free concerts in Toyota Park (Bicentennial Park), the Toyota Country Music FanZone stage in Fitzroy Street, busking, and live entertainment. The festival is family-friendly and has something for all ages.
The Golden Guitar Awards are a pinnacle event of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The awards are presented on the last weekend of the festival in late January, and the winners are given miniature replicas of the Golden Guitar statue as trophies. The Golden Guitar Awards are highly coveted in the Australian country music industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia's annual country music festival is held in Tamworth, New South Wales.
The festival is held for 10 days from Friday to Sunday in mid to late January each year.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival began in 1973, influenced by a talent quest held by the Modern Country Music Association (now the Capital Country Music Association) in 1968.
The festival features concerts and live performances by over 800 artists across various venues and genres, including country, bluegrass, rock, and folk. There are also awards, such as the Golden Guitar Awards, and other activities like busking, a family zone, and food stalls.
The festival is not gated, so you don't need tickets to attend. However, certain headline acts require tickets, which can be purchased online or in person at the Capitol Theatre box office during the festival.
