It may look a little different, but organisers of the Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth (TCMF) are picking up the tempo and preparing for the 2021 event, scheduled to run from Friday 15 to Sunday 24 January.
Tamworth Regional Council Mayor, Col Murray, said: “Ultimately how the festival will look is dependent on the social distancing measures, and restrictions, that are in place come January if any, and we’ll be working with the relevant authorities to ensure we can present an event that ticks their boxes while delivering on the good time that Tamworth is known for.”
While the Festival might look different from previous festivals, Councillor Murray said this challenge has provided organisers the opportunity to innovate.
“After all, Tamworth is Australia’s country music capital, and we are excited to welcome back both artists and fans and provide them with the best opportunity to reconnect after so long,” Cr Murray said.
The 2021 Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth, is likely to be one of the first major country music festivals to go ahead following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Tamworth Regional Council is working closely with the Country Music Association of Australia Inc. (CMAA), artists, managers, and venues to make it a success.
CMAA Chairman, Dan Biddle, confirmed that planning is well and truly underway for the Toyota Golden Guitar Awards to proceed as usual on the second Saturday of the Festival.
“The country music community can be confident that the CMAA and Tamworth Regional Council will be presenting the Toyota Golden Guitar Awards in January 2021,” Mr. Biddle said.
“We look forward to once again recognising the best of Australian and New Zealand country music and adding to the incredible legacy of Australia’s longest-running music awards when we present the 49th Country Music Awards of Australia.”
Understandably there are very few risks and costs in planning for TCMF2021. Still, as Cr Murray explains, there is a significant cost to the local Tamworth businesses and community if the planning does not forge ahead.
“Locally, it’s important for the Tamworth economy, but more broadly, it’s a key event for the country music industry,” said Cr Murry.
“With more Australians looking to domestic travel options in the wake of the pandemic, TCMF2021 will be the perfect opportunity to welcome new visitors to the region.
“Tamworth is principally a ‘venue-based’ festival, and given the likelihood of relaxed social distancing, the venues will be raring to go to make up for several months of no live music. Event organisers and venues are aware that some social distancing measures may still be in place and they are ready to adjust to cater to this and provide a safe place for artists, fans, and staff to enjoy.”
The 49th Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth, will be held from Friday 15 to Sunday 24 January 2021 with the 49th Toyota Golden Guitar Awards on Saturday 23 January 2021 at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre.
The Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth, is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
Entries for the 2021 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards will open on Friday, 28 August 2020. Entries are for Australian and New Zealand country music released between 1 October 2019 and 30 September 2020.
The first round of tickets is currently scheduled to go on sale in early September through Entertainment Venues and other venues across the Tamworth region.
