Tamworth has now returned to normal after 10 days of live music, entertainment and visitors from all over the country descended upon the region for the 48th Toyota Country Music Festival.
Some of the highlights from the 10 day event included the Opening Concert which featured Tamworth’s rendition of Blanco Brown’s Git Up Challenge; The introduction of a night time Festival Fringe program; The Toyota Star Maker Concert which saw Townsville’s Sammy White crowned as winner; Cold Chisel’s Blood Moon Tour stopping in Tamworth; A star-studded line up take to the stage for a celebratory Concert for Joy McKean’s 90th Birthday; The Toyota Golden Guitar Awards where Felicity Urquhart took home six accolades; and to conclude the show was The Toyota Best of the Buskers concert which saw Gold Coast singer songwriter Naomi Connell claim the title of the Busking Champion for TCMF 2020.
Toyota Australia’s Chief Marketing Officer, Wayne Gabriel said: “The atmosphere in Tamworth each January is outstanding, and the calibre of the talent and events on offer are second to none. The vibrancy of the Buskers, the dedication of each artist, and being able to support our rural heartland through the festival is something that Toyota, as an organisation, is proud to be a part of.”
Tamworth Regional Council’s Country Music Manager, Barry Harley said: “There was such an incredible vibe in Tamworth throughout The Festival. People were happy, friendly and light-hearted; and were especially enjoying the much-welcomed rain and the cooler weather.”
Attendance numbers during The Festival appeared positive, with thousands of people wandering the streets, attending concerts in the park each evening and visiting the region’s local businesses and services.
However, The Festival Team is still the early stages of collating feedback and are anticipating numbers to be slightly lower than previous years due to the ongoing drought and current bushfire disaster.
“We are expecting to see an impact of the current conditions on attendance numbers for TCMF 2020, and that’s ok,” said Mr. Harley.
“While the numbers may have been slightly down, the spirits of festival goers were certainly not. If people who attended had a great experience and were provided with some relief in these tough times, then I can proudly say that The Festival was a success,” added Mr. Harley.
Further insight into visitation numbers will be provided in the coming weeks, once on the ground researchers have collated their information and venue operators have provided their feedback.
