Wednesday is where the Tamworth festival really starts getting down to business.
Peel Street is already moving by 7am, with Abigail Wighton busking outside Ghanda. She’s a 2025 Senior Course graduate of the CMAA Academy and a great example of why early mornings in Tamworth are worth it. If you want to see emerging artists before the bigger stages come calling, this is the time to wander.
Breakfast belongs to Pete Denahy at Wests. His breakfast show is always a fantastic way to start the day, with great musicianship and plenty of laughs.
From 9am, the focus turns to families, with the Country Music Kids Zone and Kids Country Music Guitar School at Pioneers’ Parade. It’s good to see space carved out for young country music fans, with interactive sessions running on the hour and plenty to keep kids busy and having fun, not solely the adults.
At the same time, the Country Music Futures Forum opens at the Tamworth Community Event Centre. These sessions are for artists who want to understand the industry better and take their careers seriously. They run throughout the day and are well worth dipping in and out of if you are looking beyond this festival and thinking long term.
Late morning offers one of the traditions of the festival, with the CCMA National Jamboree at Town Hall. This event has been running for decades and continues to bring together artists from across generations. It’s a reminder of the depth of Australian country music and the importance of preserving its stories and traditions.
Around town, there’s plenty happening from emerging artists on the Macca’s Stage to kids’ entertainment at Hands of Fame Park and even a Western Glam Boot Makeover workshop for those wanting to do something a little different because who doesn’t want to give their boots a bit of bling?
At 10.50am, the Galaxy of Stars announcement at Toyota Fanzone is a must. This is going to be a great moment of recognition for a very deserving artist. If you want a good spot, arrive early.
From 11am, Zac Weeks is busking on Peel Street outside Bonds, followed by Harriet Lowe at midday outside Target, and Cait Jamieson at 12.30pm at Tamworth Square. Each brings something different, and it’s a good reminder of how broad the current crop of country artists really is.
In the afternoon Billie-Jo Porter takes to the Toyota Fanzone stage at 2.10pm, before Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham star at the Capitol Theatre at 2.30pm. Later in the afternoon, at 3.30pm, the APRA Songcraft Session with Kasey Chambers and Troy Cassar-Daley is going to offer up some wonderful advice for songwriters.
By 4pm, Sam Snape hits The Welder’s Dog and later at the Services Club at 10pm.
From 6pm, there’s a hat making demonstration at Toyota Park, The Bushwackers getting people on their feet at Toyota Fanzone from 6.10pm, and The Outback Stockman’s Show at Wests.
There’s a lot of choice at 7.30pm, from Tamworth’s own Ashleigh Dallas takes over Town Hall, Orchestral Country offers a new take on country with a heap of stars at TRECC, while Jenny Mitchell, Dingo and special guests appear at the Capitol Theatre. At 9pm, Ella Hooper hits the Tamworth Hotel stage.
For those still going late, Liam Brew’s 90s Country Party kicks off at Wests at 10.30pm.
Bec Gracie, aka The Country Journo, has been a country music journalist for more than 20 years and we’re proud to have her leading our TCMF26 coverage for New England Times. Join the email list to get her festival tips in your inbox every day!
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