An iconic tradition of the Toyota Country Music Festival, the top ten busking musicians as voted by festival goers and judges, performed to an energetic crowd in Toyota Park on the final night of the 52nd Toyota Country Music Festival, with the duo’s impressive performance winning over the judges.
Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth Manager Barry Harley, said: “Congratulations to Robbi & Ben on being crowned this year’s busking champions. Not only did they deliver an outstanding performance tonight, but they engaged festivalgoers throughout the festival CBD across the 10 days, which is why they are a truly deserving recipients of the busking champion title.”
“This year’s event saw more than 370 buskers line Peel St, so our judges faced a challenging decision,” says Mr Harley.
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| Robbi & Ben |
The Dollys from New Zealand took second place and Dennis Comino from Queensland placed third, with both receiving cash prizes and a paid gig at The Courthouse Hotel at the 2025 Toyota Country Music Festival, while duo Sunday Lemonade from Victoria were crowned People’s Choice winner, taking home a $1,000 voucher, plus a 12-month brand ambassador contract with Dusty and Rusty Clothing.
The remaining top ten buskers walked away with $200 each. The grand final concert also featured a special performance from 2023 Toyota Busking Champion and 2024 Golden Guitar nominee, Lane Pittman.
The 2024 Toyota Busking Championship judges were 2024 Golden Guitar winner Max Jackson, 2023 Toyota Star Maker Loren Ryan, multi-award winner Aleyce Simmonds, Golden Guitar winner Angus Gill, Lachie Bennetts from the Courthouse Hotel, as well as Tamworth’s Indigenous diva Blake Riley.
Tim Easey, Dealer Principal, Tamworth City Toyota, said it was great to see such an active atmosphere amongst the town and extended his thanks to the busking talent in participating in this year’s 2024 Toyota Best of the Buskers championship.
“Each year we are fortunate to have the presence of incredible artists busking through the streets of Tamworth during the festival and I am so pleased to award Robbi & Ben with cash prizes, plus paid gigs in 2025, a well-deserved win for such a hard-working artist.”
“From the performances we’ve seen tonight and across the 10 days of the 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival, it’s evident that grassroots country music is thriving and continues to flourish in Australia.”
With some of Australia’s country music icons getting their start in busking, like Troy Cassar-Daley, Keith Urban, and James Johnston, the Busking Championships are a great launch pad for aspiring musicians who are looking to hone their craft.
“The championships stand out as a truly iconic element of the Festival, highlighting the diverse musical styles and talent within the Festival's main precinct,” says Mr Harley.
“It serves as an ideal platform for aspiring musicians, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their music to a broad audience."
* Maddie Kulk at maddie.kulk@c7even.com.au
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