Country turns pink to support cancer patients this Sunday

One of the Tamworth Country Music Festival’s most enduring charity events will again put music to work for a cause close to home, with Country Turns Pink returning to Wests this Sunday.

Now in its 11th year, the annual concert will be held on Sunday, January 18 at 7.30pm at the West Tamworth Leagues Club, bringing together a packed line up of Australian and international country artists to raise funds for Cancer Council NSW.

Wests Live Entertainment Co-ordinator Rachel Goodman said the event had become a fixture on the festival calendar because of its impact on local families.

“We come together to raise vital funds for women affected by cancer. Every day, nearly 70 women in Australia hear the life-changing words, ‘You have cancer’,” she said.

“Our mission to conquer cancer continues, and we need your help.”

Country Turns Pink has raised more than $20,000 each year for Cancer Council, with funds supporting a range of services for regional patients, including transport to treatment, accommodation, research, education and advocacy programs.

Cancer Council Community Fundraising Specialist in Tamworth Sally-Anne Whitten said events like Country Turns Pink were critical in regional areas.

“Cancer Council is 96 per cent community funded, so events like this are crucial to keep services and programs running and expanding,” she said.

“This year’s line up is bigger and better than ever, with award-winning artists all donating their time and efforts to help support cancer patients.”

The 2026 bill features what organisers describe as a who’s who of country music, alongside special guests from the United States. Artists confirmed for the night include Murphy’s Pigs, James Blundell, Andrew Swift, Kristy Cox, Craig Wayne Boyd, Kirsty Lee Akers, Alan Fletcher, Abbie Ferris, Roo Arcus and Luke O’Shea, with more performers still to be announced.

A surprise appearance from a multi Golden Guitar award winner and ARIA nominee is also planned.

Hosting the evening will be Sam McClymont, a Golden Guitar and Starmaker winner, television personality and cancer survivor, bringing a deeply personal connection to the cause.

Tickets are now on sale through Wests Tamworth, priced at $28 for adults and $16 for children.

Festivalgoers and locals alike are encouraged to don pink and support the night, helping ensure vital cancer services continue to reach those who need them most across the region.