Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park will, once again, transform into Toyota Park – a centrepiece of the country music festivities in January – with the outdoor venue’s line-up announced yesterday, along with Toyota FanZone.
It’s not the Tamworth Country Music Festival until the mayor declares those famous words, “let the music and the fun begin” and it all happens on Friday, January 16 at the opening concert in the park.
Featuring Tamworth’s own Ashleigh Dallas, the concert includes fellow Golden Guitar winners Zac & George, Brendan Radford & Lindsay Waddington, Kristy Cox, and Luke O’Shea, along with the CMAA Academy of Country Music Senior graduates of 2026.
2025 Toyota Star Maker winner Felicity Kircher will also perform, along with 2025 Best of the Buskers Champions, Charley Castle and The Boys in the Well and Macca’s Golden Gig senior winner Ava Bizzanelli.
Festival Manager Barry Harley said that watching a show at Toyota Park is a “must-do Festival activity”.
“The free performances offer a snapshot of everything the festival brings to life,” he said.
“Each night showcases a unique theme with a diverse lineup of artists and country sub-genres.”
On Sunday, January 18, the brightest emerging artists will take to the stage for Toyota Star Maker, Australia’s longest running talent search. The Grand Final will see the top 10 finalists perform two songs, while 2025 winner Felicity Kircher will also take to the stage. The 10 grand finalists are Bryce Sainty, Jarrad Wrigley, Jaydin Shingleton, Jess Crossman, Josie, Liam Maihi, Mackenzie Lee, Mackenzie May, Ruby Jane and Sarah Catania.
There are also theme nights including Girls’ Night Out on Saturday, January 17 with six-time Golden Guitar winner Amber Lawrence on hosting duties, joined by emerging artists Abbie Ferris, Jay Santilli and Tori Darke. Americana takes over the park on Monday, January 19 featuring Andrew Swift, Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes, Riley Catherall, The High Street Drifters, Piper Butcher and The Rusty Pickups.
Back to the Bush Spectacular on January 21 celebrates balladeers with more than 30 performers on the bill, while KIX Live in the Park on January 22 is the loudest night of them all with Casey Barnes, Lane Pittman, Rachael Fahim, Tyla Rodrigues and more. The rowdiness continues with Party in the Park on January 24 with Katie-Jayne, Brother Hollow, The Buckleys and The Wet Whistles getting everyone up dancing.
Bands will also be celebrating their talents in Tamworth with Bands on the Run on January 20 featuring Jenny Mitchell, Kingswood, Will Day, and The Mezcaltones and Sounds of Twilight on January 23 with a chilled line-up of Matt Ward, Brewn, Magpie Diaries, and Denvah.
The celebrations in Toyota Park wrap up with Best of the Buskers on January 25, which will also mark Australia Day reflections and celebrations and conclude with a fireworks display.
The line-up for the Toyota FanZone Stage has also been announced with more than 240 artists playing on the free stage on the corner of Peel Street and Fitzroy Street.
Tamworth Regional Council Events Officer Crystal Vero says each year artists are eager to claim a slot on the FanZone stage.
“There are plenty of reasons to love Toyota FanZone,” she said.
“Watching artists perform on the Toyota FanZone stage is so much fun and seeing fans respond is so special.”
This year’s line-up includes Golden Guitar winners Andrew Swift, Catherine Britt, Duncan Toombs and Zac & George, 2024 Toyota Star Maker winner Wade Forster, fan favourites, emerging artists and special appearances from James Johnston and Kaylee Bell.
The stage will also host the ever-popular Aboriginal Cultural Showcase on January 22 and 23 which always packs the street.
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