Barry Harley OAM, long-serving Festival and Event Manager of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, has announced he will retire following the 2026 event, bringing to a close a decades-long contribution to Australian country music and regional events.
Mr Harley has been a central figure in the development and success of the Festival, now recognised as Australia’s largest country music event and a key pillar of Tamworth’s identity as the nation’s Country Music Capital.
Executive Manager, Creative Communities and Experiences at Tamworth Regional Council, Peter Ross, said Mr Harley’s contribution to the Festival and the broader industry was “immeasurable”.
“His leadership has helped shape the Festival into an internationally recognised event that brings artists, fans and the community together in celebration of Australian country music.” Mr Ross said.
In addition to overseeing the Festival, Mr Harley has led the Events Division at Tamworth Regional Council, contributing to the city’s reputation as a vibrant and diverse regional events hub.
His association with the Festival dates back to the 1970s, when he worked on stage design for the Golden Guitar Awards. Since then, he has held various roles across multiple organisations, culminating in more than a decade at the helm of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Under his stewardship, the Festival has seen record attendance figures, expanded media partnerships and increased national sponsorship. He has also championed new initiatives such as the Toyota Star Maker competition and supported the evolution of the Golden Guitar Awards.
Reflecting on his career, Mr Harley said the Festival had been a defining part of his professional life.
“The Tamworth Country Music Festival has been such a huge part of my life for so long,” he said. “It’s been an incredible privilege to work alongside talented artists, passionate industry partners and the dedicated teams who make the Festival what it is.
“We’ve been preparing for this transition for a couple of years now, with strong philosophical, historical and heritage values embedded in both Council and the broader Advisory Group. I’m confident the Festival will continue to thrive for generations to come.”
While stepping back from his full-time role following the 2026 Festival, Mr Harley will continue to be involved through his position on the Tamworth Country Music Festival Advisory Group, providing ongoing strategic guidance.
Tamworth Regional Council General Manager, Paul Bennett, said Mr Harley’s legacy would have a lasting impact on the city.
“Barry’s legacy is one of vision, resilience and passion,” Mr Bennett said.
“He has helped ensure that Tamworth continues to shine on the national stage as the home of Australian country music.”
Recruitment for a new Festival and Event Manager is currently underway, with the aim of ensuring a smooth transition ahead of the 2026 Festival, which will run from 16 to 25 January.
The 2026 edition is expected to be a celebration of Australian country music and a fitting farewell for one of the event’s longest-serving champions.
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