The young and young at heart will have plenty of reasons to celebrate at next month’s 50th anniversary of the Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth with organisers announcing more free family-friendly additions to the Festival Program.

Festival Manager, Barry Harley says there will be something for everyone in 2022.

“From the Toyota FanZone to the Family Zone, and everything in between there will be plenty of ways for country music fans of all ages to celebrate the 50th anniversary,” he says.

“2022 will see the return of traditional street performers, chalk artists, the ever-popular Toyota Hat giveaway, ABC Radio will be back for live broadcasts, and the Family Zone will be operating from 10am to 10pm each day.

“Plus, there will be a special free concert each morning for our tiniest fans.”

Up and coming country artist, Keely Johnson and her ‘Dance Like an Animal’ friends will be taking to the Macca’s stage at 10am each morning from 15-21 January.

Featuring Kate the Quokka, Tassie the Devil and the rest of her Aussie furry friends, Keely will also have a very special guest perform with her on Friday, 21 January.

“This project is the most exciting thing I have worked on to date and now I get to help bring smiles to kids’ faces everyday through this fun and very Aussie stage show,” Keely said.

“There won’t be a child in Tamworth that won’t want to be a part of this!”

Minister for Tourism, Stuart Ayres said the 50th anniversary edition of the Tamworth Country Music Festival was shaping up to be a blockbuster event.

“It is fantastic to see the program for the Tamworth Country Music Festival continuing to grow on top of an already star-studded line-up including John Williamson, Kasey Chambers and Troy Cassar-Daley.

“This is indicative of the region springing back to life after consecutive years of natural disasters and the pandemic,” Mr Ayres said.

“We are proud to support this iconic event, which will have fantastic social and economic benefits for the New England region as we continue on our roadmap to recovery, particularly in a year where we celebrate this great Australian music festival achieving an incredible milestone anniversary.”

Another new addition to the Festival precinct will be the Tailgate Sessions in the Toyota Zone on the corner of Kable Avenue and Fitzroy Street, where buskers, Star Maker finalists and special feature artists will perform from the back of a Toyota LandCruiser 70, every day of the Festival.

Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer John Pappas said the Toyota Tailgate Sessions are a unique part of the Toyota Zone at the Toyota Country Music Festival. 

“A first for the festival, this year country music fans will be able to listen to an array of brilliant busking talent perform from the back of a LandCruiser 70, including feature artists performing at midday throughout the duration of the festival,” he said.

“The Toyota Tailgate Sessions are another chance for buskers to perform, show off their extraordinary skills and bring the community together.”

Toyota's famous Tamworth hats will be available for a $2 donation, and this year there are limited edition pins available for a $5 donation, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going directly to support local community organisation, Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Services.

A jam-packed line-up has been announced for the Toyota FanZone stage with over 100 artists set to perform including, the 2022 Toyota Star Maker and Toyota Golden Guitar winners Amber Lawrence, Fanny Lumsden and The Bushwackers.

With the full line-up now available on the TCMF website, the Toyota FanZone stage will kick off at 9am every day, giving festival goers a chance to experience up close and personal performances from their favourite artists.

“From emerging stars to multi-award winning artists, Toyota FanZone has it all,” Mr Harley said.

“It is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy great live country music, and we have some excellent talent on offer in 2022."

Festival goers can secure one of the best seats in the house, with the Country Club offering an exclusive opportunity to soak up live entertainment under cover, front and centre in Toyota Park.

“With access to the only licenced area in Toyota Park, ticket holders will experience the Festival in VIP style and have the opportunity to mingle with some of the stars performing on the night,” said Mr Harley.

For those 17 and under hoping to kick start their musical journey, the Golden Gig sponsored by Macca’s will run daily on the Macca’s Stage from 11am to 2pm, with the Grand Final on Saturday, 22 January 2022.

With registrations now open for the new talent quest, Marketing Director (NSW), McDonald’s Australia, David McMullen says the Golden Gig will give youngsters an opportunity to impress judges and Festival crowds.

“We are proud to be able to shine a spotlight on the musical talents of young country artists from across Australia.”