Thirty-six years after being crowned Star Maker in 1982, Australian country music legend, Lee Kernaghan is heading back to where it all started, as the official Ambassador for the 47th Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth.

“I’m proud to be the 2019 Toyota Country Music Festival ambassador. It’s Australia’s largest music festival and the only place to be in January!,” said Kernaghan.

Kernaghan’s love of the festival dates back to the early 80s, when he began visiting Tamworth with his Dad, Ray Kernaghan. 

“I loved everything about it” he says. “The big crowds, the long summer days filled with all the different styles of country music, not to mention the opportunity to see all the new talent bursting onto the scene.” 

Now, as the official Ambassador for the 2019 Toyota Country Music Festival, Kernaghan is wanting to support the next generation of country music artists. “I’d encourage all new and emerging artists to begin their journey in Tamworth,” he says. 

The Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth has been a highlighted stop for Lee’s tour bus for many years. Kernaghan will take to the stage at TREC on Thursday 24th of January to say g’day the crowd, for what is set to be another outstanding performance. 

“What a story and what an icon for Australian country music”, says Toyota Country Music Festival Manager, Barry Harley. “We are thrilled to have Lee onboard as our official Ambassador, especially as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Toyota Star Maker. His successful career is motivation for other aspiring artists, many of whom will be at the festival alongside Lee in January.”

Held over ten days from 18 until 27 January 2019, the Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth is a Festival experience like no other with more than 300,000 visitors expected, 700 artists performing at over 2,800 events across 120 venues. 

“If you haven’t been before, it’s definitely one for the bucket list! I know where I’ll be this January and I can’t wait to see you there!”, says Kernaghan.  

For all ticketing and festival details head to www.tcmf.com.au.