Australian country music's golden night- the 2021 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards - will be co-hosted by two-time Golden Guitar Award winner Andrew Swift and five-time winner Catherine Britt.  Together they bring years of experience along with incredible talent, so fans watching in person or via the live stream can expect a phenomenal night celebrating Australian country music.

Also announced today is the impressive list of performers who will take the stage at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre on Saturday 23 January. They include the 2020 ARIA Award winner and seven-time 2021 Golden Guitar Award nominee Fanny Lumsden and six-time nominees The McClymonts and Travis Collins.  

Other performers for the 49th Country Music Awards of Australia will include -  Amber Lawrence, Aleyce Simmonds, Kirsty Lee-Akers, and Dianna Corcoran with their uplifting version of 'True Blue.' Casey Barnes, who had a breakthrough year in 2020 with his album 'Town of a Million Dreams' and acclaimed Bush Balladeer, Dean Perrett.  Twelve-time Golden Guitar Award winner Luke O'Shea;  first-time nominee Melody Moko; multi-talented singer-songwriter-producer, Shane Nicholson and a special performance from Kristy Cox with the legendary Tommy Emmanuel, filmed in Nashville. 

The night will also feature performances celebrating 50th Anniversary career-milestones for two of the industry's most respected and enduring performers. The Bushwackers will take the stage to perform a medley of their most loved hits, while a special tribute will celebrate John Williamson's landmark career.

Chairman of the CMAA, Dan Biddle, said: "Following a year where music has helped keep us together, I look forward to celebrating Australian country music creators who have made an outstanding contribution to our cultural and social fabric by continuing to release their work despite the ongoing challenges faced by our industry." 

Toyota Golden Guitar Awards Executive Producer Peter Ross said this year's awards show has been an honour to produce.  

"With the ongoing health concerns relating to COVID-19 and the logistical challenges of creating a safe in-person event experience, I am proud of the show we have been able to compose and the support we have been able to provide the artists.  I am also proud that Tamworth can continue to celebrate and recognise the achievements of our country music artists during one of the most difficult times for the entertainment industry."

Tamworth Regional Council and the Country Music Association of Australia are committed to artists' and visitors' health and safety. The event's COVID Safe Plan has the health and safety of patrons and staff as a priority.  As owners of the venue, Tamworth Regional Council is continuously monitoring the NSW Health and NSW Government updates to ensure that any changes are adhered to for the safe and successful running of the 2021 Awards show.  

"We will also be communicating to attendees that as individuals they must responsibly ensure that they have followed all government instructions if they have been to any State or Nationally identified case locations so that we can ensure we deliver a COVID safe event," added Mr. Ross.

The Toyota Golden Guitar Awards are the nation's longest-running music awards and play a vital role in developing and promoting Australian country music talent.  The Awards are the pinnacle event on the Australian country music calendar and are presented LIVE by Tamworth Regional Council and Australia's Country Music Association.  

The ABC is the official broadcast partner of the 2021 Awards show, and fans can tune into ABC’s coverage via the live stream at https://www.facebook.com/LandlineABC or the live radio broadcast at https://www.abc.net.au/country/.  A 90-minute edited highlights program will air on ABCTV +iview at 12.30 pm on Sunday 24th January.  The show will also be live streamed via www.tcmf.com.au/live and broadcast by KIX Country Radio.  

For more information or to purchase tickets, head to www.tcmf.com.au/awards