Music Festival Puts City On Map

Newcastle Herald

Friday July 6, 2007

GR

TAMWORTH is a vibrant, prospering, beautiful regional city with about 38,000 people living in it, working across a diverse range of occupations, including agricultural, industrial, aeronautical, medical and many other fields.

In the 1940s and '50s, when country and western music was booming across Australia, Tamworth, like most other country towns, had a radio station with a long tradition of playing "hillbilly" music in the early hours of the morning.

In 1968 on the long weekend in January, the then Tamworth branch of the Modern Country Music Association started a small talent quest.

In 1973 local radio network and station 2TM, staged the very first Country Music Awards of Australia.

After 38 years that very first, small talent quest is now called the Capital Country Music Association Talent Quest and is still held today.

From humble beginnings the Country Music Festival has grown into one of the largest festivals of its kind in the world.

Originally held over the three-day long weekend, the Festival has since been extended to 10 days (still incorporating the long weekend).

In 2002, Tourism Tamworth and the Tamworth Regional Council also introduced a "countdown" period that runs the full week before the festival.

Tamworth has more than enough accommodation to suit any taste or budget.

There are more than 3000 beds (or more than 40 motels) available within the city's accommodation sector, with more than 90 per cent of venues holding a star rating of three to three and half stars or above; with plenty of alternative accommodation, from five-star to bed and breakfast to hostels to caravan/camping sites, plus many more.

Tourism Tamworth can offer assistance with accommodation bookings for delegates through its integrated booking service.

The Tamworth region is bursting with an abundance of local produce.

Boutique wineries do wonders for the palate, with a variety of blends. Or you can tease your taste buds further and mix your cellar-door experience with fine food.

Many touring options are available: visit a winery, a trout or barramundi farm, olive grove or a pasta maker. Or try your hand at berry or lavender picking.

There are more than 50 restaurants, cafes and eating experiences waiting for you in Tamworth.

The city is home to a three-star Michelin chef and a Culinary Olympics-winning chef.

From five-star, award winning fine dining to outdoor cafes and steakhouses there are more than enough places to satisfy any hunger.

Local produce teamed with country hospitality at an array of alfresco dining cafes and restaurants will leave you satisfied and surprised.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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