Thirty years ago a group of country music fans got together to establish a festival. That decision irrevocably changed the shape of a city. A guitar-shaped swimming pool, a 12-metre high golden guitar statue, a Hands of Fame park and a Gallery of Stars are just some of the signs you have entered Tamworth - Australia's country music capital.
A celebration of the Australian identity is how organisers describe this annual event, and it's a fair description. Country is a genre that now embraces everything from bluegrass, bush ballads and bootscooting to acoustic, classic and contemporary country rock.
And in true Aussie style, this is a festival that applauds those who give it a go. The program is packed with talent quests and awards nights for every creative aspect of the business, from songwriting and recording to penning bush poetry. Some of the biggest names on our musical horizon cut their teeth here - and still make it back most years to pay homage.
Generations of country talent mix in the pubs and clubs, including Lee Kernaghan, Troy Cassar-Daley, Gina Jeffreys, Kasey Chambers and teenage talent such as Harem, who have wowed audiences with their sassy blend of country and folk.
Anyone with a heart set on fame makes it to country music's big bash. More than 40,000 people attend from all over the country and there are more than 2,400 events at more than 100 venues.
Such is its popularity that the festival now has a Countdown program, a lead-in to the official 10-day festival. Next Countdown runs from January 7-13 2005, with Festival running from January 14-23, 2005.
The program is wonderfully egalitarian. There's something to suit most tastes and most pockets. You can set up a deck chair in Peel Street and watch the buskers. Several country luminaries have been discovered strutting their stuff on this main drag.
You can have breakfast with bush poets, holler at the best rodeo and stock riders in the country and cheer on thousands of bootscooters stomping their way into the Guinness Book of Records.
Major events are not to be missed. The first weekend sees the staging of Starmaker, an important competition that seeks the best in new talent and has launched many country superstars.
The prestigious Roll of Renown Concert takes place the same weekend. Artists who have made major contributions to Australia's heritage are honoured by being placed on a roll, situated outside the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre.
The Golden Gumleaf Bush Laureate Awards is a concert saluting excellence in the recording and publishing of Australian bush poetry. And the TIARAs - Tamworth Independent Artists Recognition - is a night for independent artists who self-fund their own CDs. All winners perform so it's a great opportunity to see top emerging talent.
The excitement builds to some breathtaking finales - like the largest country linedance in the world and a colourful Cavalcade of Stars through the streets. The Country Music Awards of Australia, the 'night of nights', is the annual awards presentation recognising recording excellence. It's more fun than the Logies and it's got a great statue too. The coveted Golden Guitar gong has gone seven times to country music legend the late Slim Dusty.
Tamworth knows how to party. To make life easier and enjoyable, it's recommended you leave the car at home and be transported to the various venues in regular festival shuttle coaches.
If you need a breather between concerts, there's plenty to do and see in Tamworth. Take a plunge in that guitar-shaped pool. Stroll the Winners Walkway, dedicated to early Golden Guitar-winning country music artists. Or say 'g'day' to the 21 wax figures in the Gallery of Stars. Wherever you go, the town just can't hide its big country heart.
The Country Music Festival, in January is a must visit, even if you're not a country music fan. The whole city transforms into a country music arena, with loads of performances, displays and hands on activities. Without a doubt it is Australia's best music festival. Maria, Tamworth.
4WD
