Let the fun begin: 6000 fans at TCMF opening concert

Music has once again taken over the streets of Australia’s Country Music Capital, with the 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival officially underway following Friday night’s opening concert in Toyota Park.

More than 6000 music fans packed into the park to launch 10 days of live music, celebration, and community, with performances from artists including the CMAA Academy of Country Music Senior Course graduates, Kristy Cox, Luke O’Shea, Lyn Bowtell, Tamworth local Ashleigh Dallas, 2025 Toyota Star Maker winner Felicity Kircher, and duo Zac and George.

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steven Kamper, attending the festival for the first time, officially opened the event and spoke about the scale and significance of the festival.

“It’s not an easy job to put this together, but look at how fantastic it is,” he said.

“We’ve got a world-renowned country music festival here in Tamworth. Everyone should be very proud.”

He also acknowledged Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, who cancelled his festival commitments following the recent loss of his wife.

“He’s a wonderful Member for Tamworth, a wonderful representative … from the time I became minister for tourism, he was at my door straight away pumping Tamworth and pumping this festival,” the Kamper said.

Reflecting on the broader role of country music, Minister Kamper said the festival represented something far greater than entertainment.

“This year we’ve had some interesting difficult times of recent, but one thing I reflect on is our nation and our people and I think it’s whenever there’s a spirit of unity in our country, it all comes, generally speaking, through country music and how important country music is for our nation,” he said.

“I’m so proud to be the minister that oversees such a wonderful event and such an important event for our state and for our nation and for our community because we must remember we must always remember this is a community-driven event that’s what it is and you’ll never ever be able to replace or do anything like this because you can’t have another Tamworth.”

Tamworth Regional Council Mayor Russell Webb welcomed visitors to the city and paid tribute to the many people who make the festival possible each year.

“I hope you have a great 10 days enjoying our festival and what we’ve got to offer,” he said.

“It’s a magnificent festival that’s been going for 54 years, and I think that’s a wonderful achievement on behalf of all the people that put their hard work into making this festival work.

“It’s not a festival that’s owned by anybody. So, I think the community should be very happy with what the venue operators and the council do putting this together to make it work.

“Thank you again for all being here.”