Tamworth Rage Page
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   Tamworth Country Music Festival info
 
 
2011 Tamworth Country Music Festival - Fri 14th - Sun 23rd January
 seven day Countdown commences on January 7th.
CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia, - 22nd January 2011- Information Centre - 02 6767 5300
http://www.visittamworth.com/   
 
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Entries open for 2010 Toyota Star Maker
 Artists seriously looking for a professional long-term career in country music are invited to apply.

Toyota Star Maker is organised and promoted by Rural Press Events, publishers of Country Music Capital News.

Entry forms are available by emailing starmaker@ruralpress.com  or by telephoning 02 6762 2399.
 
Entry forms can also be downloaded from the Toyota Star Maker page at www.capitalnews.com.au .
 
 
 
Telstra Road to Tamworth 2009 is currently being put together and details including Heat dates & locations will be announced in the coming weeks. Make sure you regularly check our site for updates. www.entertainmentedge.com.au
 
Helen is no longer updating this website
 
 
Tickets for major concerts during the 2008 Tamworth Country Music Festival will go on sale on the following dates:
Book online www.visittamworth.com
Monday 1st October – special internet release only
Thursday 1st November (at 9.00am) – bookings taken by
phone and over-the-counter phone 02 6767 5300 or call into the
Tamworth Visitor Information Centre (Cnr Peel & Murray Streets)
Monday 3rd December (at 9.00am) - 2nd release of tickets
Wests Entertainment
West Tamworth Leagues Club and Wests Diggers. Tickets for shows at
these venues generally go on sale on 1st December
2007 and can be purchased through the ticket hotline on
phone 61 2 6765 7588 or visit www.wtlc.com.au
 
 
http://www.wtlc.com.au   West Leagues Tamworth Website
 
Toyota Star Maker 2008 entries now open
 Entries are now open for Australia’s most prestigious country music talent search, Toyota Star Maker 2008.

The quest, which has helped launch the careers of many of Australia’s leading country acts, will be staged in Tamworth, Country Music Capital, in January.

Last year, Toyota Star Maker, in conjunction with Compass Bros Records, became the first major Australian country music talent quest to introduce a “full album deal” as part of its prize package.

“This year’s winner, Kirsty Lee Akers, has benefitted greatly from the new prize,” said Barry Harley, General Manager of Rural Press Events, organisers of the quest. “Kirsty’s album – Little Things – was officially launched to rave reviews at this year’s Toyota National Country Music Muster at Gympie and debuted in the top 20 of the Australian Recording Industry Association Australian Country Music Albums Chart.

“As we called for entries for Toyota Star Maker 2008, the first single from Kirsty’s album was shooting up the charts and was riding high in the top 10 of the Country Music Channel Top 30 Countdown.”

For the past 29 years, Star Maker has provided a crucial launching pad for many of today’s big Australian country stars, including Lee Kernaghan (1982), James Blundell (1987), Keith Urban (1990), Gina Jeffreys (1991), Beccy Cole (1993), Brendon Walmsley (1999) and, more recently, with popular new stars Travis Collins (2004), Samantha McClymont (2005) and Cat Southern (2006) as well as reigning title holder Kirsty.

In addition to the recording contract, the Toyota Star Maker winner now receives the use of a Toyota car and fuel card for 12 months, the making of a video clip, a special edition Star Maker Maton guitar and promotional exposure through Australia’s monthly country music magazine Capital News and other publications in the Rural Press stable.

Entries in Toyota Star Maker are now being invited. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.capitalnews.com.au , or requested by ringing Rural Press Events on 02 6762 2399. Entries close on Wednesday, October 31.
 
Toyota Star Maker will be staged at the Toyota Country Theatre on Sunday January 20, 2008. Finals commence at 10.30am and the Grand Final at 7.30pm.

Bookings for tickets open on-line October 1, 2007, at www.visittamworth.com  with phone and counter sales from November, on 02 6767 5300 or at the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre at the corner of Peel Street and the New England Highway.
 
Music on Tamworth's mind
Tamworth, Tuesday 18 September 2007:
 
With only four months to go until the 2008 Tamworth Country Music Festival presented by Telstra, organisers and key stakeholders have hit over-drive finalising plans for both January, and other associated events.
 
Tourism Tamworth, in conjunction with Tamworth Regional Council, Telstra and the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA), are busy planning the major metropolitan launch for the Festival to be held in Sydney on 6th December which is set to feature the announcement of the finalists of the Country Music Awards of Australia. This will be followed by a late afternoon/early evening community launch in Tamworth on the forecourt of Tamworth Regional Council to coincide with the lighting of the Christmas Tree.
 
"The Country Music Capital has once again switched its attention to the annual Country Music Festival and you can already feel the pace quicken and the excitement beginning to build in anticipation," said Mr David Woodward, Tourism Tamworth Marketing Manager. "On the back of our success last year, we are now also gearing up for the release of our internet pre-sale tickets on Monday 1st October for the Festival as well."
 
As the appointed marketing and promotions body for the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Tourism Tamworth has been in discussions with Tamworth Regional Council about the implementation of the media and advertising campaigns and other related media activities including the accreditation system. The new promotions campaign will be rolled out within the next couple of weeks and will focus on the varied audiences of the Festival and the annual pilgrimage that the Festival has now become.

"With some 75,000 visitors expected to the city during the Country Music Festival this year, Tamworth has defied trends and continued to steal visitors from more traditional summer beach holidays; judging by the level of enquiries we have already received through the Visitor Information Centre this is definitely going to keep carrying on," added Mr Woodward.
 
"At this stage, for anyone wanting details about the Festival, Tourism Tamworth recommends obtaining a copy of its Festival Information Booklet [either by post or download it from the website] to receive the most accurate particulars about the Festival to assist you with your planning."

For further information about the 2008 Tamworth Country Music Festival presented by Telstra, please contact Tourism Tamworth on 02 6767 5300 or log onto the website www.visittamworth.com  < http://www.visittamworth.com/  > . Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Tamworth Regional Council website www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au  < http://www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/ > .
 
*********************************
Andy Baylor & his Cajun Combo will be at Southgate Inn -Tamworth Festival 2008
Noon - Monday 21st to Saturday 26th
 
Festival tickets go on sale early
Tamworth, Monday 10 September 2007:
With the 2008 Tamworth Country Music Festival presented by Telstra only four months away, Tourism Tamworth has announced
that due to the success of internet pre-sales for major concert last year, they will once again,
release tickets early to purchase online.

As the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre soars into overdrive preparing for Festival 08,
the ticketing component of the centre provides immense service to artists and promoters
and with greater demand shown from "early bird" buyers, the online pre-sale has assisted
Tourism Tamworth is greater planning of roll-out.

As one of the primary ticketing outlets for the Country Music Festival selling some 70+ shows for events
held over the 10-day January period, Tourism Tamworth prides itself on giving customers
the best opportunity to secure tickets as soon as possible and as easily as possible.

Set to be released on Monday 1st October at 9.00am, these tickets can only be purchased via the website www.visittamworth.com 
for the first month, with phone and counter sales opening almost five weeks later on Thursday 1st November.

"We had fantastic success with the Festival ticket pre-sales last year with some 9,500 tickets being purchased
online during the month of October which in turn, eased the strain on resources when other purchase methods opened," said Ms Rebel Thomson,
General Manager, Tourism Tamworth. "By giving customers the option to book online, they can be assured they
will secure the best available tickets at that time, all in the convenience of their own home."

Tourism Tamworth is currently in the process of finalising promoter agreements however at this stage,
it looks like the following tickets will be going on sale online on Monday 1st October at 9.00am; the 36th CMAA Country Music Awards of
Australia presented by Jayco, ABCRA National Finals Rodeo, Toyota Starmaker Final and Grand Final,
Telstra Road to Tamworth Finals and Grand Final plus a whole host of concerts by major artists that will be performing at Toyota Country Theatre.

As all stakeholders planning for the 2008 Tamworth Country Music Festival presented by Telstra kick into high-gear, the announcement
of these tickets is sure to spark an onslaught of enquiries about the Festival, the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere,
as Tourism Tamworth commencescommunications with new and existing audiences.

For anyone wanting further information about Festival ticket sales, detailsabout the 2008 Tamworth Country Music Festival presented by
Telstra in general or to obtain a copy of the Festival Information Booklet, please contact Tourism Tamworth on
02 6767 5300 or log onto the website www.visittamworth.com .
 
IT’S TSA AWARDS TIME AGAIN!
CLOSING DATE FOR ALL AWARDS 15 OCTOBER 2007

TSA SONGWRITERS’ SALUTE AWARDS OF AUSTRALIA are for songs that HAVE been commercially released between 16 October 2006 and 15 October 2007. For these Awards, commercially released means 500 or more CDs released for commercial purposes.
 
Sections are Contemporary Country Song of the Year, Tradition Bush Ballad of the Year, Country Ballad of the Year, Comedy/Novelty Song of the Year, Children’s Song of the Year and Gospel Song of the Year. The overall Country Song of the Year is chosen from winners in the 6 categories. The Songmaker Award is judged by TSA membership, and the Recipient of the Tex Morton Special Award is selected by the TSA Committee. All finalists receive a Certificate and winners receive a trophy.

TSA/CAPITAL NEWS NEW SONGWRITER AWARD is also for songs that HAVE been commercially released between 16 October 2006 and 15 October 2007. The main difference between the Songwriters’ Salute Awards and the New Songwriter Award is that the New Songwriter Award is for new songwriters only.
 
For this Award, a new songwriter is a writer who has not had a song commercially released prior to the last 5 years (ie. must not have had a commercial release prior to 1 January 2003), and has not won any award or prize (first place), for songwriting for commercially released product. Prize money for this Award is $1,000.00 cash sponsored jointly by TSA and Capital News. All finalists receive a Certificate and the winner receives a trophy as well as the $1,000.00 prize money.
 
TSA NATIONAL COUNTRY SONGWRITING CONTEST is for songs that have NOT been recorded and released for commercial purposes prior to the entry closing date of 15 October 2007. There are four sections, Amateur, Professional, Junior (16 and under) and Lyrics Only.

Prize money for the Professional and Amateur Sections is $500.00 cash for each section plus an extra bonus $150.00 cash for TSA members. The Lyrics Only Section carries prize money of $300.00 cash plus an extra bonus $50.00 cash for TSA members. The winner of the Junior (16 and under) Section will receive an Ashton Classical Guitar donated by the Australian Children’s Music Foundation plus $100.00 cash donated by TSA. Winners also receive a trophy, and semi-finalists and finalists receive Certificates.

Entry forms are available from Bev and Ron Daniel, PO Box 1486, Oxenford QLD 4210, TSA, PO Box 618, Tamworth NSW 2340, by Emailing tsa@tpgi.com.au , downloading from the TSA web page at http://www.tsaonline.com.au , and are also included in September issue of Capital News. All enquiries should be directed to Bev and Ron Daniel by Email or by phoning (07) 5529 8162, or fax (07) 5529 8032.

All Awards will be presented at the 2008 gala 30th anniversary TSA Songwriters’ Concert and Awards presentations at West Tamworth League Club on Wednesday 23 January 2008 commencing at 7.00pm where 14 well known award winning singer/songwriters perform two of their own songs. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children. As a special bonus, all patrons who buy a ticket will receive a 30th anniversary CD containing 22 winning songs from the 2 TSA Song Search albums, valued at $30.
Publicist Rhonda Sinclair blurb creative solutions blurbcs@bigpond.net.au 
 
 
****************************
Major Shows and Accommodation www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au     
 www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/ticketsales  to book on line - phone 02 6767 5300 fax 02 6767 5312  email tourism@tamworth.nsw.gov.au 
Saturday 26th January Hohner 25th Anniversary Golden Harmonica Championships
Tricia Smits Unit 7/ 2 Stoddart Road Prospect NSW 2148
Ph: 0403 017 551 Eml: irishj49@yahoo.com.au
 
Bundaberg Rum Jazzer Quest
Friday 18th - Friday 25th January
The Pub 99 Gunnedah Road Tamworth NSW 2340
Ph: 02 6765 4875 Eml: admin@thepub.com.au
Web: www.thepub.com.au
 
National Song Writing Contest
National Country Songwriting Contest for songs that
have not been recorded or commercially released; also
includes Songwriters’ Salute Awards of Australia and
New Songwriter Award (commercially released songs).
Entries close Monday 15th October 2007.
Contact: Bev & Ron Daniel
Tamworth Songwriters’ Association Inc
Ph: 07 5529 8162
Fax: 07 5529 8032
Eml: tsa@tpgi.com.au
Web: www.tsaonline.com.au
 
Toyota Star Maker Quest
Entries close 31st October 2007.
Each year aspiring artists are invited to compete for
the coveted Toyota Star Maker title and prize package
including the world’s only full album deal to be offered
as part of such a prize that will provide a substantial
career boost to the winner. Applications to enter are
available from Rural Press Events.
 
Bluegrass Breakfast
The Davidson Brothers Band will be playing 11 bluegrass breakfast shows at the 2008 Tamworth Country Music Festival @ West Tamworth Leagues Club - Legends Bar.
Running from Friday the 18th of January to Monday the 28th of January (Inclusive) from 8am - 10:30am everyday.
the reason for the extra Monday show is that the Australia public holiday falls on that day!!!
They are looking forward to to it and will have a new album. 
 
Toohey’s New Country Music Challenge: Band Search 2008.
Bands are invited to submit their sample material for the Toohey’s New Country Music Challenge: Band Search 2008 to be held during Tamworth CM Festival 2008.
As Country Music Challenge: Band Search is restricted to one big night at the famous Longyard Hotel, bands are urged to submit their material to be selected to be in the final six. Two tracks are required to be submitted before Dec. 1st. 2008 for the selectors to make their choice.
A huge prize package is offered for the winner courtesy of Toohey’s New [$1500 cash], Enrec Studio [Demo Recording], Country Music Bulletin [Artist Profile-Print and Online] and Musician’s Headquarters [Online Enhancement Profile].
The runners up receive awards for their efforts, being Toohey’s New [$500 Cash] Aust. Audio [Mixer Processor] Country Music Bulletin [Artist Profile-Print and Online] and Musician’s Headquarters [Online Enhancement Profile]
The selected bands will be notified with their involvement to be projected and promoted through Music Media leading up to the Country Music Challenge at Tamworth CM Festival 2008. 2007 winners Aaron Daniels Band and runners up Ruckus are profiled on www.musiciansheadquarters.com.au  and www.countrymusicbulletin.com.au
Please direct your sample material to Jim Guider PO Box 1812 Tamworth 2340.
Enquiries: M: 0409795492 E: jim@musiciansheadquarters.com.au
 
Guitar Unleashed: Long Live the Lead Break
Hot guitarists taking part in Tamworth CM Festival 2008 are urged to submit sample material to be selected for Guitar Unleashed: Long Live the Lead Break.
Long Live the Lead Break will be staged once again, after making its full on debut at Tamworth CM Festival 2007 with Rob Bostock from the Bostocks coming out on top.
Cutting Edge Music and Blade Guitars have come on board as a Major Sponsor with a beautiful Delta Blade Electric-[value $1999] to be awarded to the Leading Guitarist plus a guest spot on the Blade Guitars Showcase during the latter part of Tamworth CM Festival 2008.
The runner up will also be looked after with a secondary prize package courtesy of Guitar Unleashed: Long Live the Lead Break sponsors.
Guitarists intending to take part, are invited to submit two tracks, one fast tempo, one slow tempo, to be selected for the two heats.
Six finalists from the two heats will go into the final and compete for the prize packages on offer, courtesy of valued sponsors.
During the main heats and the final, guitarists will be required to perform two tracks [one fast, one slow] for their ten minute stint on stage.
So don’t hesitate, get in the running and direct your sample tracks by Dec. 1st. 2008 to Jim Guider PO Box 1812 Tamworth 2340.
Enquiries: M:0409795492 E:jim@musiciansheadquarters.com.au 

Exhibitors Alert! Musos HQ 2008
Tamworth Festival Musician’s Headquarters is inviting potential exhibitors and participants to make contact in relation to being involved for Tamworth CM Festival 2008.
Tamworth CM Festival 2008 will mark the tenth year of operation for the Musician’s Headquarters emerging from humble grassroots beginnings in 1999, to operate as an essential resource for buskers, musos and music industry. The beginning of the Muso’s HQ also created the catalyst which spawned the Country Music Bulletin in June 1999.
The Muso’s HQ continues to be the centrally located Artist’s/Musos and Music Industry meeting place and networking area featuring trade exhibits, seminars and workshops.
Two key components of Muso’s HQ are the free public access Music Lifestyle Expo and the essentially Music Industry Music Know How-Know How it Works Music Industry information day.
Tamworth Festival Musician’s Headquarters, first and foremost is an Artists/Musos/Music Industry resource and is well placed in the heart of the festival to cater for the first time Muso/Busker festival adventurer. It is ideal as a central, networking base to find your feet while getting the feel of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Please visit the Musician’s Headquarters website www.musicansheadquarters.com.au , check out the overview and get the feel of previous HQ’s. Then, if you feel the urge, either phone or email me on 0409795492 or jim@musiciansheadquarters.com.au

Bush Laureate Award for children’s poetry
A Golden Gumleaf trophy will be awarded for verse for children in the next Australian Bush Laureates Award to be presented in Tamworth in January 2008.
A spokesperson for the organisers of the Awards, which are now in their 12th year, said it was important that bush poetry catered for all ages.
“There has always been a strong tradition of bush verse written for children and the Bush Laureate Awards feel this should be encouraged.

“Poets such as C J Dennis and Banjo Paterson were famous examples of this tradition and it is hoped that with a special category in the Awards, more poets will consider verse of this type.”

The Award will initially recognise bush poetry in book or CD form with the nomination form reading:
Children's Book or CD of the Year. The Australian Bush Poetry book or CD judged to have the most appeal to young people. Content of CD or Books may include original verse or re-released material.

Other changes for the next Australian Bush Laureate Awards include a clarification of Book and CD of the Year. Both categories will be now open to original and re-released material (published or released during the eligibility period) but when the winner does not qualify as original verse, another Award will be presented for Book or Album of the Year Original Verse.

Nominations for the 2008 Australian Bush Laureate Awards are now open with forms currently being distributed to previous nominees and enquirers.

A nomination form is also available for download from the Awards website www.bushlaureate.com.au .
Nominations close on Wednesday, October 31.
The 2008 Australian Bush Laureate Awards will be staged in the famous Tamworth Town Hall on Tuesday, January 22.
Tickets will go on sale in October.
For more information or to request a nomination form, phone 02 6762 2993, fax 02 6766 9918 or email info@bushlaureate.com.au .
 
Toohey’s New Country Music Challenge: Band Search 2008.
Bands are invited to submit their sample material for the Toohey’s New Country Music Challenge: Band Search 2008 to be held during Tamworth CM Festival 2008.
As Country Music Challenge: Band Search is restricted to one big night at the famous Longyard Hotel, bands are urged to submit their material to be selected to be in the final six. Two tracks are required to be submitted before Dec. 1st. 2008 for the selectors to make their choice.
A huge prize package is offered for the winner courtesy of Toohey’s New [$1500 cash], Enrec Studio [Demo Recording], Country Music Bulletin [Artist Profile-Print and Online] and Musician’s Headquarters [Online Enhancement Profile].
The runners up receive awards for their efforts, being Toohey’s New [$500 Cash] Aust. Audio [Mixer Processor] Country Music Bulletin [Artist Profile-Print and Online] and Musician’s Headquarters [Online Enhancement Profile]
The selected bands will be notified with their involvement to be projected and promoted through Music Media leading up to the Country Music Challenge at Tamworth CM Festival 2008. 2007 winners Aaron Daniels Band and runners up Ruckus are profiled on www.musiciansheadquarters.com.au  and www.countrymusicbulletin.com.au
Please direct your sample material to Jim Guider PO Box 1812 Tamworth 2340.
Enquiries: M: 0409795492 E: jim@musiciansheadquarters.com.au


Guitar Unleashed: Long Live the Lead Break
Hot guitarists taking part in Tamworth CM Festival 2008 are urged to submit sample material to be selected for Guitar Unleashed: Long Live the Lead Break.
Long Live the Lead Break will be staged once again, after making its full on debut at Tamworth CM Festival 2007 with Rob Bostock from the Bostocks coming out on top.
Cutting Edge Music and Blade Guitars have come on board as a Major Sponsor with a beautiful Blade Electric to be awarded to the Leading Guitarist plus a guest spot on the Blade Guitars Showcase during the latter part of Tamworth CM Festival 2008.
The runner up will also be looked after with a secondary prize package courtesy of Guitar Unleashed: Long Live the Lead Break sponsors.
Guitarists intending to take part, are invited to submit two tracks, one fast tempo, one slow tempo, to be selected for the one and only heat.
Six finalists from the main heat will go into the final and compete for the prize packages on offer, courtesy of valued sponsors.
During the main heat and the final, guitarists will be required to perform two tracks [one fast, one slow] for their ten minute stint on stage.
So don’t hesitate, get in the running and direct your sample tracks by Dec. 1st. 2008 to Jim Guider PO Box 1812 Tamworth 2340.
Enquiries: M:0409795492 E:jim@musiciansheadquarters.com.au  


Exhibitors Alert! Musos HQ 2008
Tamworth Festival Musician’s Headquarters is inviting potential exhibitors and participants to make contact in relation to being involved for Tamworth CM Festival 2008.
Tamworth CM Festival 2008 will mark the tenth year of operation for the Musician’s Headquarters emerging from humble grassroots beginnings in 1999, to operate as an essential resource for buskers, musos and music industry. The beginning of the Muso’s HQ also created the catalyst which spawned the Country Music Bulletin in June 1999.
The Muso’s HQ continues to be the centrally located Artist’s/Musos and Music Industry meeting place and networking area featuring trade exhibits, seminars and workshops.
Two key components of Muso’s HQ are the free public access Music Lifestyle Expo and the essentially Music Industry Music Know How-Know How it Works Music Industry information day.
Tamworth Festival Musician’s Headquarters, first and foremost is an Artists/Musos/Music Industry resource and is well placed in the heart of the festival to cater for the first time Muso/Busker festival adventurer. It is ideal as a central, networking base to find your feet while getting the feel of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Please visit the Musician’s Headquarters website www.musicansheadquarters.com.au , check out the overview and get the feel of previous HQ’s. Then, if you feel the urge, either phone or email me on 0409795492 or jim@musiciansheadquarters.com.au
 
Nominations NOW OPEN for 11th Annual TIARA Awards
If you are an Independent Country Music recording artist who has released a totally self-funded commercial release CD in less than two years and you are 18 years and over you are eligible to enter in the 2008 award categories.
Please remember to complete a separate form for each category:
Male Vocal
Female Vocal
Group Award
Bush Ballad
Barry Thornton Memorial Instrumental Award
Vocal Collaboration
Duo
Gentleman Geoff Brown Memorial Award
Michael Cowdroy Memorial Songwriting Award

The awards presentation evening will held on Tuesday 22 January 2008.
Organisers have confirmed that the awards will return to its traditional evening format in 2008.
You can download the Entry Form and entry rules from www.tiara-awards.org .
Entries close 5pm on 26 October 2007
The 2008 Tiara awards will be held at the Regent Theatre, Tamworth on
on Tuesday the 22nd of January at 8PM. Tickets available soon
 
 
18 years and over applications close 30th June 2007
Contact CMAA Phone 02 6766 1577
email info@country.com.au 
website www.country.com.au 
 
 
TAMWORTH TRAIN ENTERS NEW ERA
The Country Music Express train to Tamworth has entered a new era with the train's interior undergoing a major makeover - tailor-made for fans of live music and train travel.

Director of Cross Country Express, which runs the popular annual trains to Australia's premier Country Music Festival each January, Arthur Smith, has taken out a 14 year lease on 19 private carriages.

Over the next few months these will be completely refurbished to meet the needs of people travelling on the train.

The Cross Country Express previously leased the historic Southern Aurora on an annual basis.

"In the past we have been limited in what we could offer passengers by the heritage requirements of the train," Mr Smith said.

"The new carriages mean that we can create on board septic systems, an improved lounge area to create more performance space and seating for passengers wanting to listen to live music and even toilets at the end of each saloon carriage."

"Not only will these improve the quality of the Tamworth Country Music Festival experience but also enable us to offer more train tours throughout the year."

Mr Smith said he believed the improvements would increase the popularity of the train which has been a sell out for its annual trip to the Tamworth Country Music Festival over the past two years.

And with the train more than half full for the 2008 journey, he is confident it will be a sell out again by September this year.

The Country Music Express Train to Tamworth is the only train journey of its type in Australia.

Passengers enjoy ten days of world class Country Music provided by eight artist hosts on board the train and it becomes their motel while stabled in Tamworth, with 24 hour air-conditioning.

Mr Smith said the train offered a unique experience to passengers and word of mouth has ensured many repeat bookings.
"With motel accommodation booked out in Tamworth for the Country Music Festival, our train offers an affordable alternative to see one of Australia's iconic festivals," he said.

The Country Music Express offers passengers a la carte dining en route, fully licensed saloon bars and free nightly entertainment while stabled in Tamworth.

Mr Smith said the leasing of the new carriages also means an expansion of his unique holiday experiences. Cross Country Express is also offering the first ever St Patrick's race Train from Sydney to Broken Hill next March.

And if the four day St Patrick's train goes well, plans are also underway for the running of the first ever Cross Country Express to Darwin in 2009.
People interested in booking any of the tours can phone 1300 780 660.
 
 
Tamworth Festival Musician's Headquarters
Plus Music Lifestyle Expo.
Trade Exhibits, Seminars, Workshops. Open 10am - 10pm
Email jim@musiciansheadquarters.com.au 
Website www.musiciansheadquarters.com.au 

 
Country Music Tours - Melbourne to Tamworth
Dave Ovenden, of Country Music Tours & Travel in Melbourne, is currently putting the finishing touches to his 2008 Country Music Special to Tamworth, which he says will be his biggest and best yet in 32 years. Sticking with his proven formula of using the best Coach (Cobb & Co) and the best Accommodation available, he has expanded the time from six to ten days, departing Melbourne on Saturday 19th January and arriving in Tamworth at lunchtime on Sunday 20th, after an overnight motel stay, including breakfast at Coonabarabran. After settling in at the Best Western Sanctuary Inn, the rest of the time in Tamworth is virtually free, right up until departure day on Monday 28th arriving back at Melbourne at 7am on Tuesday 29th. Dinner and breakfast daily at the Sanctuary Inn is included as is a ticket to The Starmaker Grand Final Concert, also dinner at the Dallas family Gully Grub Barn on Monday 21st, a couple of small district tours in the mornings, a ticket to the Jayco Golden Guitar Awards Concert and a night at a country pub, the Oasis, on Sunday 27th, the last night before departure on Monday 28th Jan 2008. The inclusive price for all this is a more than reasonable $1995. For further details you can contact Dave on (03) 9465 0501 or fax (03) 9464 4992 email cmtnt@bigpond.com or send him a letter to P O Box 199, Thomastown, Vic 3074.
 
 
 
Hats Off to Country Festival 2008
Thurs 3rd - Sun 6th July Tamworth NSW
 

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