Tamworth heats up for Hats Off to Country

It’s Tamworth’s cooler cousin of the January festival, and the 25th annual Hats Off To Country truly showed that it can hold its own when it comes to stellar events.

The atmosphere around the city was warm and inviting and the music was hot, with strong audiences across most venues as Hats Off continues to cement its place as a favourite on the country music calendar, with larger crowds, a strong program of events, and a genuine celebration of talent across generations.

The festival officially opened on Friday night with the Graduation Concert of the CMAA Academy of Country Music Junior Course. Held at Moonshiners, the concert showcased outstanding performances from the next generation of country talent – some as young as eight years old – backed by a house band including students, and mentored by some of the best in the business. A packed house of family, fans and industry applauded what many described as one of the most polished graduation shows to date.

Academy Director Lyn Bowtell said the standard of this year’s students was among the highest she’s seen.

“The level of talent on that stage was absolutely extraordinary,” Lyn said. “To see artists this young perform with such professionalism, courage and heart — it’s a reminder of how strong the future of Australian country music really is. They inspired us every single day.”

Another highlight of the weekend was the inaugural Australian Bush Ballad Awards, presented on Saturday afternoon at Tamworth’s spiritual heart – the Town Hall. The awards honoured the legacy of traditional Australian storytelling through song, and were warmly embraced by both audiences and the artists who live and breathe the bush ballad tradition.

The new awards recognised excellence in bush ballad music across seven categories, attracting 136 entries from 104 artists across New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. Tamworth radio legend Brian “Howdy” Howard hosted the afternoon, with award presentations by country music icons including Anne Kirkpatrick, Jon Wolfe, Lindsay Butler, and co-organisers Dianne Lindsay and Peter Simpson.

The program also featured standout performances by winners and nominees, including Alice Benfer, Dean Perrett, Anthony Baxter and Ashley Cook, with a finale led by Dean and joined by all artists and presenters. The backing band, led by Rod Coe – Slim Dusty’s long-time musical director – included Lawrie Minson, Brad Bergen and Michel Rose, delivering a high-quality musical experience that honoured the genre’s deep roots.

The 2025 Tamworth Bush Ballad Award winners are:

• Instrumental of the Year – The Jumping Jackaroo – Anthony Baxter (Tamworth, NSW)
• Australian Ballad of the Year – My Country, My Australia – Kathy Carver (Byford, WA)
• Songwriter of the Year – Gundablui Girl – Allan Gumm / K & M Dixon (Glenwood & Hivesville, Qld)
• New Talent of the Year – Alice Benfer (Gympie, Qld)
• Female Artist of the Year – Lynette Guest (Tamworth, NSW)
• Male Artist of the Year – Dean Perrett (Kingaroy, Qld)
• Bush Balladeer of the Year – Ashley Cook (Monto, Qld)

Tamworth Regional Council Manager Events Barry Harley said the awards reflected the strength and growing appreciation of traditional country music.

“These awards celebrate the storytellers of the Australian bush – those who carry forward the songs, values and spirit that define our musical heritage,” he said.
“Tamworth, as Australia’s Country Music Capital, is proud to honour these voices.”

Across the weekend, venues hosted more than 60 live event performances from Golden Guitar winners, emerging singer-songwriters, and beloved local acts. Headline events included Luke O’Shea and Lyn Bowtell’s sold-out Love & Laughter dinner show at North Tamworth Bowling Club, The Bushwackers at Wests, Travis Collins’ Boots, Beer & Barstools, and shows from Ross Wilson, Viper Creek Band, Y.O.G.A., Lawrie & Shelley Minson, and more.