Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth organisers are excited to announce an iconic book detailing the colourful and star-studded history of the Festival has been extensively updated in time for the 50th anniversary.

Stars, Hurrahs and Golden Guitars (SHAGG) 2nd edition is a much expanded version of the book originally published in 2012 for the 40th anniversary of the Festival.

Author and Festival founder, Max Ellis says it was important for the first version to be updated for the 50th anniversary.

“Five decades is a significant milestone and so much has happened since 2012,” said Mr Ellis.

“We wanted to ensure every colourful part of the Festival’s 50 years was included in this iconic Australian story and immortalised in a book for years to come.”
With the help of the editor of Tamworth Country Music Capital News, Cheryl Brown, Max spent many months writing, updating and editing content for the second version.

Festival Manager, Barry Harley says a lot of time was spent digging through Max’s and the city’s extensive country music archives.

“SHAGG’s 2nd edition is the best and most entertaining of all publications produced about the Festival,” said Mr Harley.

“This fascinating story details the growth of one of the world’s largest music festivals and includes many rare and previously unseen photos and images.”

The 2nd edition of Stars, Hurrahs and Golden Guitars is now available for purchase via the Tamworth Country Music Festival website, as well as in-person at the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame and Tamworth Regional Gallery.

“You can also purchase the book from the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre at the Big Golden Guitar and Collins Books Stores in Tamworth and Armidale,” said Mr Harley.

“SHAGG’s 2nd edition is truly an iconic piece of Festival history and I urge every Tamworthian and country music fan to get a copy.”

You can find other official Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth memorabilia at www.tcmf.com.au/shop