Troy Cassar-Daley's Festival Survival Tips
With 35 years of experience coming to the festival under his belt, Troy has a few hints on surviving #TCMF2016!
As I reach the outskirts of Tamworth each year for our festival there are certain places that are all part of my routine... my survival handbook... not only as an artist but as a music fan.
A ritual is The Pub.... it is a singer songwriters haven throughout the festival and the Douglas family do it so well. Tuesday night is the pickers night and one I just can't miss... I also love the bluegrass breakfast with Pete Denahy at Wests, Pete is a great player and he always has a long lists of guests each morning, a wonderful way to start your day. The beer garden at the Tamworth Hotel on a Thursday night when The Flood are playing is a wonderful atmosphere, full with friends listening to great music. I also have fond memories of the Oasis Hotel... having a beer with Youngy (Brian Young) on many occasions. We were always given the respect by the patrons allowing us the time to catch up and have a great old yarn.
Food is always something that can be hard to fit in during the 10 days... we always find The Old Bell Tower a haven, great breakfast or lunch, and an escape to a little quiet to give us some down time to the schedule. The Square Man's Inn is another great place for breakfast, at the top of Peel St it has great parking. The Powerhouse restaurant is always great, we usually end up there for dinner a couple of nights allowing us to catch up with friends the lamb is cracker!!. The counter meals at the Longyard are something not to miss and quick service and quality tucker! SSS BBQ have the best steaks and we always fit one night out there in, I love a good steak and they never disappoint. When the kids are with us and we are running from one commitment to the next, or at the end of a long day, the 24hr MACCAs are a great go to... they are consistent and being open 24 hours is a godsend at times!
When you hit town the first stop should be the Big Golden Guitar Visitors Centre... it will not only provided you with all the information you could possibly need it is the first photo you should take... in front of the Big Golden Guitar! A must!!
Cheers and enjoy our festival 2016! Troy Cassar-Daley
