Easter has kick started celebrations in the country music capital, with a variety of activities entertaining early visitors ahead of the 50th Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth.

Family Zone will kick off on Good Friday, with carnival rides open from 5pm until late and then from 11am on Saturday and Sunday.

Tamworth Regional Council’s Visitor Economy Coordinator, Kate Baker said: “While the Festival officially kicks off on Easter Monday, we have plenty of activities on offer to get the 50th birthday celebrations started early.”

Saturday will also see the Family Night on Fitzroy, a free evening of activities which includes performances, face painting and henna art, kids craft, and a visit from Sonny the Sustainability Scout.

Supported by the NSW Government’s Festival of Place – Summer Night fund the Family Night on Fitzroy will kick off at 5pm.

“Along with the carnival rides in Family Zone, there will also be food trucks and craft activities in Fitzroy Plaza, which will be a fantastic night out for the whole family,” said Ms Baker.

“Then on Sunday morning, the Peel Street Markets will kick off at 8am, with local artisans and producers setting up in Bicentennial Park off Kable Avenue.”

Riverside camping will open to Festival campers on Sunday and many artists and performers will take to the stage over Easter.

Tamworth Country Music Festival, Manager, Barry Harley said: “We will have many licenced venues across the city getting into the spirit ahead of schedule, with several artists locked in to perform in the days leading into Festival.”

There will also be plenty to see at the Australian Equine and Livestock Event Centre, with the Paint Horse Association of Australia’s National Championship Show getting underway on Good Friday and running until Thursday, 21 April.

The see what’s on across the region, head to the Destination Tamworth website.