Tamworth music festival kicks off
January 16, 2010 |15:24 | Music By : Team X
Fifty thousand people are expected to attend the festival in north-west New South Wales over the next two weeks, giving the local economy a significant boost.
On Friday night alone, around 5,000 country music fans streamed into Tamworth's Bicentennial Park to mark the beginning of a 10-day country music odyssey.
The festival began with a free concert featuring a long line-up of Australian country music talent, including Tanya Kernaghan, the sister of country music star Lee Kernaghan.
Rex Dallas opened last night's concert in unique style and fans were gushing.
"I've been coming for over 25 years and it's so exciting every year there's something new," one fan said.
The week will also see hundreds of buskers try their luck on the Boulevard of Dreams, better known as Peel Street, while the big names, including Troy Cassar-Daley, John Williamson and Kasey Chambers, play to packed houses nearby.
Festival highlights later in the day include a performance by indie artist Josh Pyke and Williamson, who is celebrating his 40th year in the industry.
There has been some concern from the festival's founders about the way the event is being managed this year, particularly the inclusion of non-country music singers.
And one of the event's major sponsors has cut back its financial contribution, leaving the Tamworth Regional Council to pick up more of the tab.
Still punters can expect a memorable event, featuring over 1,000 performers and 2,500 events.
The festival, which runs until January 26, will culminate with the nation's country music awards next weekend.
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