Australia’s largest celebration of country music and the longest-running festival is gearing up for its highly anticipated return to the country music capital, Tamworth. The Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival will kick off on January 17, 2025, with an unforgettable lineup of world-class performances and exciting events, making it the must-attend festival for country music lovers.
The festival will open in grand style with the Opening Concert at Toyota Park, Tamworth’s largest venue, where festivalgoers can enjoy 10 epic nights of free entertainment. These include the much-loved Americana In the Park, the Toyota Best of the Buskers, and the Toyota Star Maker Top 10 Grand Final. Visitors can also experience hundreds of free performances in the Toyota FanZone, located in the heart of the festival precinct.
Festival Manager Barry Harley OAM reflects on the festival’s success, highlighting that last year’s event delivered the best results for Tamworth venues in over a decade. Harley attributes the festival's success to its unique blend of emerging talent and iconic country music stars, alongside the mix of free and ticketed shows.
A Star-Studded Lineup
At the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre (TRECC), the festival will honor Australasian country music excellence with the iconic Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards. This highly anticipated night will celebrate the achievements of the past year, with Max Jackson and James Johnston hosting the event, promising an electric atmosphere.
Fans of country music legends will be thrilled to see Troy Cassar-Daley and Lee Kernaghan OAM return to the TRECC stage on Thursday, 23 January. Both are icons of Australian country music, and their performances are always a highlight. Additionally, Australian legend John Williamson will kick off his 80th birthday celebrations with a special performance on Friday, 25 January.
For those seeking a bit of rock ‘n’ roll, country music meets classic rock with the return of female rockstar Suzi Quatro, who will rock the stage at the Greg Norman Drive with her two-hour Rocking On show.
The Heart of Country Music in Tamworth
The Tamworth Town Hall, regarded as the spiritual home of country music, will play host to a remarkable range of shows. Highlights include the Music For McGrath Concert, which raises funds for the McGrath Foundation, and Amber Lawrence’s Kids Country Show, featuring songs from her “Kids Gone Country” albums, as well as a special Taylor Swift set. Other exciting performances include Amber Joy Poulton's tribute to Loretta Lynn, Graeme Connors, Fanny Lumsden, and many more. The People’s Choice Awards will return to recognize the best of country music, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service will present their inaugural Songs For The Skies musical variety show, with proceeds benefiting the service.
The Capitol Theatre & Tribute Shows
Tamworth’s premier live entertainment venue, the Capitol Theatre, will offer a series of celebrated tribute shows, including Darren Coggan’s Remember The Days of Cat Stevens and Mark Shelley’s The Roy Orbison Story. Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen will reunite for a special Together In Concert performance, and Pixie Jenkins, alongside Donella Waters and Josh Powell-Fussell, will bring The Most Outrageous Dolly & Kenny Show to the stage. The venue will also host Gary Anderson’s Elvis – The Golden Years and Liam Kennedy-Clark and Melody Moko’s Tammy Wynette and George Jones Tribute.
Rodeos, Music, and More
Tamworth isn’t just about music; it’s a place for thrilling action too. The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) will host rodeos on both weekends of the festival, providing adrenaline-pumping entertainment for visitors. Tickets for these events will be on sale soon, so fans can book their spot for a front-row seat to the action.
The Golden Fiddle Awards will also return to recognize the world’s most accomplished fiddlers, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of these skilled musicians.
Tamworth’s New and Old Venues
The Wests Entertainment Group will present top-class acts at both the West Tamworth League Club and Wests’ Diggers. Fans can look forward to seeing the Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley Band, Amber Lawrence, Kevin Bloody Wilson, Andrew Swift, Haystack Mountain Hermits, and more. These iconic venues will once again be packed with country music’s finest talent, with performances that will leave audiences singing along and tapping their feet.
For those looking for a more intimate experience, The Press Basement Bar will showcase Andrew Farriss (INXS) alongside Jayne Denham. Additionally, the Longyard Hotel will host the Viper Creek Band, The Wolfe Brothers, The Pigs, and many other popular acts.
Family-Friendly Fun
The festival is not just for the hardcore country music fan—it’s a celebration for everyone. The Carnival of Cups, hosted by Harness Racing New South Wales, will return to the Golden Guitar Paceway with free, family-friendly entertainment on Friday, 17 January. The event will feature Daryl Braithwaite, Lane Pittman, The Buckleys, and Tori Darke.
Book Your Tickets Today!
With an extensive lineup of ticketed and free shows, tribute performances, and exciting events spread across various venues, the Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival is set to be one of the best festivals yet. Ticket sales for the first round of shows will open on 8 July 2024, with many more announcements to follow. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of country music or discovering it for the first time, Tamworth’s festival is sure to offer something for everyone.
For more information on tickets and the full festival program, visit www.tcmf.com.au.
Tamworth Country Music Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, and its return promises to make January 2025 an unforgettable celebration of country music, community, and Australian talent.
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