Tamworth Country Music Festival artists you should not miss

The annual Tamworth Country Music Festival is about to kick off, with this largest country music event in Australia set to take place on the lands of Kamilaroi for ten days. Since 1972, people have flocked to Tamworth, attracting over 50,000 visitors each year for this pilgrimage.

This year, the town of dreams and blue jeans will once again host a lively, boisterous, and vibrant country music festival. Here, guitars gleam gold, and the unique flavor of country music permeates the air. There will be a plethora of musical performances at the festival, and we've carefully selected some standout shows worth checking out.

Lane Pittman will be making his debut at the Longyard Hotel, with him and his band set to kick off the Tamworth Country Music Festival with a Monday afternoon extravaganza. Lane recently sold out shows across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, and last year he also performed at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville. His debut EP, featuring hits like "Let's Get Lost" and "Love In A Country Town," topped the ARIA Australian Country Music charts, proving him to be a rising star in the Australian country music scene. Lane's live performances are energetic and irresistibly catchy, making them an absolute must-see. He's also been nominated for two Golden Guitar Awards this year. Show time: Longyard Hotel, Monday, January 20.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the long weekend and head to the quaint mountain village of Nundle, a 40-minute drive east of Tamworth, to enjoy three days of fantastic live music in the comfortable air-conditioned environment of the Nundle Memorial Hall. The Nundle Rock Festival has a long history in the Nundle area, and last year's event proved it's worth the hype. This year's festival will once again bring together a host of talented artists, including The Pleasures, Small Town Romance, Ben Leece, William Crighton, Dave Wells, Magpie Diaries, CJ Stranger, Adele Oliver, and more. Show time: Nundle Memorial Hall, Thursday, January 23 to Sunday, January 26.

Hana & Jessie-Lee's Bad Habits delivers a soulful alternative country music experience with their captivating blend of country and rock styles. Hana's passionate, mature, and agile vocals complement Jessie-Lee's reverb-drenched, sparkling guitar playing, earning them the Best Country Work award at last year's Victorian Music Awards. This duo is no stranger to festivals, having performed at WOMADelaide, Out On The Weekend, Brunswick Music Festival, Dashville Skyline, Queenscliff Music Festival, and Gympie Muster, constantly touring and honing their live performance. Show time: Tamworth Hotel, Friday, January 17 to Sunday, January 19.

"I didn't expect to have this much fun on a Saturday morning!" This is a direct quote from a fan after watching Fanny perform at the Town Hall in Tamworth last year, and they are not wrong. Fanny Lumsden is one of Australia's most beloved country stars, a two-time ARIA Award winner and a nine-time Golden Guitar Award recipient. Her journey is unique, starting from a sheep farm in western New South Wales, through hundreds of country halls across Australia, all the way to the Glastonbury Festival. Her performances in Tamworth always feature surprise special guests and are full of joy, inclusivity, and adventure. Oh, and don't be fooled by the name, this show is great for the whole family! Show time: Tamworth Town Hall, Saturday, January 25.

Melbourne's The Smith and Western Jury will make you feel like you’ve been hit by a rolling freight train. Their songs will delight country music fans and convert punk rock fans to a genre they never considered. With the release of their debut album "Hotel Texas" last year, the band has made a strong impact on the Australian country music scene, and their live performances are not to be missed. They will be putting on three fiery shows at the Tamworth Hotel this year, so mark your calendars and get ready! Show time: Tamworth Hotel, Friday, January 17 to Sunday, January 19.

Ally Row, from Gunaikurnai/Gippsland, is a folk-rock/alternative country duo whose music seamlessly blends various genres to create music that makes you want to groove. These two multi-instrumentalists incorporate instruments such as electric banjo, guitar, keyboard, harmonica, stomp box, and tambourine into their music, creating an unexpectedly complete and joyful live experience. Their honest lyrics reveal the darker side of love and mental health with warm vocals, gentle harmonies, and infectious rhythms. Show time: The Warralba Hotel, Friday, January 17.

Local legend Andy Golledge is back in Tamworth with his raucous live band! Andy Golledge's performances are both exciting and unpredictable. They can take you from feeling tender and tearful to boisterous and dancing wildly. Don't miss the opportunity to experience songs from his latest album, "Young, Dumb & Wild," in Andy's hometown. Show time: Bicentennial Park, Friday, January 24; and Tamworth Hotel, Saturday, January 25.

For more information about country music, tune in to ABC Country Radio.