Jessica Holbrok claims top busking honour at Tamworth festival

Brisbane’s Jessica Holbrok has been crowned the 2026 Toyota Best of the Buskers champion.

For 10 days each January, Peel Street becomes one of the busiest stages in Australian country music, with buskers lining the Boulevard of Dreams.

The top 10 buskers, decided by public votes, vied for the crown of Best of the Buskers at Toyota Park on Sunday night, 25 January, to farewell the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Jessica was crowned the winner, Sunday Lemonade placed second, Ruby Holden finished third, and Drew Blundell was named Festival Fan Favourite.

Festival Manager Barry Harley said busking remained a central part of the festival.

“Congratulations to Jessica and all of the other finalists,” Mr Harley said. “Watching buskers perform along Peel Street is a highlight of the festival.

“Many successful artists like Troy Cassar-Daley and Keith Urban began their music journeys busking on the streets of Tamworth. I can’t wait to see what musical journey this year’s top 10 take.”

Jessica won $2000 in cash, two $500 gigs at The Courthouse Hotel during the 2027 Tamworth Country Music Festival, a Pratley Classic Guitar valued at $2999, and paid performances at the Opening Concert and the Toyota Best of the Buskers Championships next year.

Sunday Lemonade received $1500 in cash and a $500 Courthouse Hotel gig in 2027, while Ruby Holden took home $1000 in cash and a $500 Courthouse booking. All remaining finalists received $200 each.

The Festival Fan Favourite prize included $1000 in cash, a $1500 recording package thanks to Hissy Fits, and a $1000 clothing package, along with a 12-month brand ambassadorship with Dusty & Rusty Clothing Co.

The Boulevard of Dreams saw hundreds of buskers entertaining the passing crowds during the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival and is always a major attraction of the event.