Performance programs for venues across Tamworth are filling fast, with less than four months to go until the Toyota 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Aleyce Simmonds, Abbie Ferris, Bill Chambers, Busby Marou, Denvah, Kevin Bennett, Kingswood, Luke O’Shea, The Pleasures, Tom Curtain, Wade Forster and US artists Craig Wayne Boyd, Dan Smalley and Wheatus are among the hundreds of artists added to the stacked line-up.
With more than 400 gigs already locked in across the 10-day event, it’s gearing up to be an unmissable festival for audiences of all kinds.
Festival Manager Barry Harley says the Toyota 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival is one not to be missed.
“Tamworth is proudly the home of country music, a title brought to life each January as hundreds of artists and thousands of visitors gather to celebrate the spirit of live music.
“It’s a place for country fans and artists alike to see exceptional new and returning talent in one spot.
“I encourage fans to start planning their trip and book tickets if they haven’t already, as tickets for many shows continue to sell quickly!” Mr Harley said.
Tamworth’s Entertainment Venues’ program continues to grow. In the 14th year of headlining her show at The Capitol Theatre, Melissa Bajric will perform a new, raw version, sharing personal stories behind her music. For this one show, Melissa invites her audience to become part of the family as she shares the life experiences that have inspired her writing.
Also, in the line-up, Jax Tonic will perform his first ticketed show, in The Listening Room at the Tamworth Community Centre, while the driving force behind The Re-Mains, Mick Daley & Brisbane-based singer-songwriter Melissa Fraser will take on The Bluebird Room, with their Lifetime Connections Made Through Music show.
Following a surprise pop-up from international superstar Keith Urban, The Tamworth Hotel is expected to be a hot spot for fans in January.
Local favourite, two-time Golden Guitar winner, Aleyce Simmonds, will take the stage with her band and celebrate 20 years of recorded music. She’ll also be joined by students from the CMAA Junior Academy of Country Music, whom she tutored.
The Pub Group continues to diversify its program, with artists including Bill Chambers, Eric Grothe, Katie Jayne, Mick Lindsay, Splashpool, The Lyrical and Zac Cross Band all added to the line-up.
The Longyard is set to play host to Newcastle rock band The Screaming Jets, Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows and Running in the Shadows of Fleetwood Mac. Wade Forster, the 44th Toyota Star Maker and 2025 Golden Guitar nominee, is bringing his Dying Breed Tour home. Following a breakout year and a red-hot run of sold-out US headline shows, the rising country star and rodeo cowboy from Winton, Queensland is returning to where his career catapulted. Two-time Golden Guitar winner, horseman, and entrepreneur, Tom Curtain will also return in 2026.
The Pleasures, fronted by the magnetic pairing of Lachlan Bryan and Catherine Britt, can be seen at Moonshiners with their new album Enemy Of My Enemy, while Australian punk rock group Cosmic Psychos, four-time Golden Guitar nominees Kingswood, Farmer Wants a Wife star Jarred Wrigley, Tailgate Party and the risqué Sydney Hotshots will also take on the venue.
International talent is in the mix across Wests Entertainment Group venues, with special free performances by US artists Craig Wayne Boyd and Dan Smalley. Abbie Ferris and Busby Marou have also been announced, while US band Wheatus, best known for their 2000 hit ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ will star in Blazes Showroom, performing in Tamworth as part of their 25-year anniversary tour across Australia and New Zealand.
With new music and her signature style, Australian idol star Denvah will perform her very first headline show, at The Press Basement Bar.
Festival-goers eager to explore Tamworth Region can delight in shows by the Bushwackers and Kevin Bennett & Luke O’Shea at The Dag Sheep Station in Nundle.
Tickets are now on sale, with more free and ticketed shows, along with full venue line-ups, to be announced in the coming months.
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