Country music’s biggest names will gather in Tamworth for a one-off tribute to the late Dolly Parton, as organisers reveal a second round of artists for the Toyota 55th Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The festival runs from Friday, 15 to Sunday, 24 January 2027, and ticket sales are already tracking ahead of the same time last year.
Amber Lawrence, Max Jackson, Melody Moko, and Michael Waugh have joined the Dolly Parton tribute. They will perform alongside previously announced artists Adam Harvey, Beccy Cole, Catherine Britt, Darren Coggan, Denvah, Dylan Wright, sisters Ellie and Tia Hannah, Fanny Lumsden, Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham, Hayley Jensen, Kevin Bennett, Kirsty Lee Akers, Lyn Bowtell, and Melinda Schneider.
Festival Executive Producer Peter Ross said the program offered something for every audience.
“The Toyota 55th Tamworth Country Music Festival showcases a rich and diverse program of artists and events, offering something to appeal to every audience,” Mr Ross said.
“It’s fantastic to see so many familiar favourites returning to Tamworth, alongside an exciting array of fresh talent making their mark.”
The Pub Group has revealed more big names, led by Mack Geiger, whose show is officially the fastest selling ever at the Longyard Hotel and across The Pub Group.
Casey Barnes returns for his biggest headline show yet at the Longyard Hotel, with special guest Rachael Fahim, recently named ambassador for the Macca’s Golden Gig.
Three-times Golden Guitar winner Brad Cox will also play his biggest Tamworth performances yet. He will kick off with an all-ages acoustic show in the afternoon, then return that night for an 18+ full band show.
The Longyard Hotel will also host Running in the Shadows of Fleetwood Mac and The Ultimate Superstars of Country Music Tribute Show.
At Moonshiner’s Bar, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Piper Butcher, and Sammy White will come together for a writers in the round show, while Austin Mackay makes his Tamworth Country Music Festival debut.
The Buddy Knox Talent Quest is the latest show added to the Tamworth Town Hall program. It is open to all age groups and gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers a valuable chance to perform.
The Capitol Theatre program grows with Melissa Bajric, featuring Lindsay Waddington, with special guest Brooke Seabrook. Jenny Mitchell (NZ) and Midnight Chicken will deliver a one-time intimate night of storytelling, string-band magic, and a little bit of mischief.
The Listening Room at the Tamworth Community Event Centre will host alternative country and roots artist Hazel and The Thief, Frecko’s High Tea at High Noon, and The Brendans featuring Pixie Jenkins in a John Williamson tribute.
The Bluebird Room will stage Tamworth’s You’ll Miss The Tide Productions in 1972, Future of Sex. Talitha Jae will present Matrescence in the Round, bringing together five singer-songwriters to explore becoming a mother. The room will also host the Tamworth Songwriters’ Association’s 50th Anniversary Concert.
Wests Entertainment Group has confirmed Jason Owen Singing John Denver and Glen Campbell, Melbourne band Homeward launching their new album, and One of These Nights: The Eagles Experience.
At Diggers, Nashville’s Craig Wayne Boyd, Dan Smalley, and Arron Nichols will perform The Yanks Are Coming.
Tamworth Services Club will present The Aussie Dolly Show and an Australian Brooks and Dunn Tribute Show, while Joe Maguires Pub has two ticketed tribute shows, to Ella Langley and Luke Combs.
Toyota Park Stage adds Ethan Calway, the inaugural Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship recipient, who will perform at the Opening Night Concert. Golden Guitar winners Wicker Suite and Kristy Cox join the Bluegrass Hoedown.
The University of New England will sponsor backstage in Toyota Park and, with the festival, present the Country Music Industry Seminars from 9am on Tuesday, 19 to Friday, 22 January in the UNE Green Room.
Tickets are on sale now, including for the Toyota 55th Golden Guitar Awards on Saturday, 23 January 2027. To book and find out more, head to tcmf.com.au/whatson.
The industry will gather in Sydney on Tuesday, 17 November, during ARIA week, when Melody Moko hosts the announcement of nominees for the 2027 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards.
“For more than five decades, Tamworth has welcomed Australia’s most celebrated country music artists while also providing an invaluable platform for emerging performers to launch and elevate their careers,” Mr Ross said.
“That unique blend of established stars and rising talent remains at the heart of what makes this festival so special.”
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