Tamworth kicked off today’s Australia Day celebrations with thousands of local residents and country music fans lining Peel Street to watch around 100 floats participating in the Toyota Country Music Cavalcade.

In 2019, participants were encouraged to plan their float design around “What it means to be Australian”, with the floats celebrating the theme in their own way. Many of the floats also payed tribute to 40 years of Star Maker as the sub-theme, with the competition being one of the Festival’s longest standing elements.

Tamworth City Dance Academy (TCDA) took out the top prize for it’s float which featured artist Chelsea Rollings. The truck that carried members from TDCA and Rollings depicted many versions of what it means to them to be an Aussie, including back yard BBQs, cricket playing, swimming in pools and hanging out at the beach. The float was also followed by a number of students who danced the duration of the parade.

Local disability service provider, Kiriniari took out second place with Northcott coming in at third place.

Mr Barry Harley, Manager of Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth said: “The Toyota Country Music Cavalcade is such a pinnacle event of the festival and what better way to start Australia Day than on Peel Street watching your favourite performers on-board some of the amazing floats designed by our local businesses.

“Thanks to all the local businesses and artists who participated, it’s not hard to see why the Toyota Country Music Cavalcade is such a Festival highlight each year,” he said.

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.