New Country Fringe adds to the free entertainment lineup at 2024 Toyota Country Music Festival
13 December 2023
There will be plenty to see, do, and experience in Tamworth this January, with organisers of the Toyota Country Music Festival launching a new lineup of free entertainment for families and festivalgoers for the 2024 event.
The Country Fringe, sponsored by Magenta Community Services will feature a full schedule of artists and performers, and see the festival precinct come alive over the 10-days with roving artists, stilt walkers, artist activations, and pop-up dance performances from Tamworth City Dance Academy.
Toyota Country Music Festival Manager, Barry Harley says the new fringe element will be a fantastic addition to the 2024 lineup, providing unlimited amounts of free entertainment and activities in the main festival precinct.
“The Toyota Country Music Festival is unique in that it’s one of the very few festivals in Australia and perhaps the world, where people can experience such a range of entertainment and artist performances for free,” he said.
“The Country Fringe will create an immersive arts experience right in the heart of the action with diverse activations on show across the 10 days.”
Based near the entry to Bicentennial Park, and close to Family Zone, Country Fringe will also feature art and sensory play activities and a silent disco for the kids to enjoy.
Kate Higgins, Magenta Community Service’s NSW Leader – Operations says they are thrilled to be the major sponsor of the upcoming Country Fringe at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, marking a significant stride in the festival’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.
“This sponsorship aligns seamlessly with our Keeping the Heart philosophy, emphasising the importance of compassion, understanding, and inclusivity in all aspects of our operations,” says Ms Higgins.
“By supporting and volunteering at this inclusion event, we actively contribute to creating spaces where individuals from all walks of life feel valued and included. Our dedication to inclusion measures extends beyond mere sponsorship, as we continuously strive to embed these principles into the core of our organisation.
We believe that by championing events that celebrate diversity, we not only enrich the communities we serve but also reaffirm our unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those we have the privilege to support to achieve their goals.”
As well as Country Fringe, festivalgoers of all ages can also experience Toyota Zone, where fans and visitors can collect their iconic Toyota Hats and pins for a donation to Lifeline, and Family Zone will provide hours of entertainment with carnival rides, show bags and games.
A jam-packed line-up has also been announced for the Toyota Fan Zone stage with over 100 artists set to perform including, 2024 Golden Guitar nominees Casey Barnes, Ashleigh Dallas, Andrew Swift, Lane Pittman, 2023 Toyota Star Maker, and 2024 Golden Guitar nominee Loren Ryan, plus some very exciting guests.
The Toyota FanZone stage will kick off at 9am every day, giving visitors a unique opportunity to see their favourite artists up close for free. The full lineup will be available soon on the TCMF website.
“From emerging stars to multi-award-winning artists, Toyota FanZone is truly a money can’t buy experience,” Mr Harley said.
“It’s the perfect place to sit back and enjoy great live country music, and we hear from many of our attendees that having the opportunity to see their favourite stars perform up close and personal is a highlight.”
The 2024 festival will also see the return of the growing talent contest, Golden Gig sponsored by McDonald’s. The stage will again be set under the golden arches on the corner of Kable Ave and Fitzroy Street, with contestants performing live each day between 10am – 12pm.
McDonald’s activation will also feature interactive and educational activities with prizes to be won, as well as the chance for visitors to take home their very own lettuce seedling used in the iconic Big Mac burger. To beat the heat, McDonald’s will also be operating their chocolate soft serve van from their Golden Gig site throughout the first weekend of the festival.
Tamworth Country Music Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.