JOHN Brown has set up camp on the same stretch of Riverside Camping Grounds in the lead-up to the Tamworth Country Music Festival every January for 36 years.
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“We’re in the same spot every year and have the same neighbours each year,” the Ipswich man said.
“We didn’t know them before, but it’s our annual get together now.”
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Mr Brown, his wife Mary, and friend Tom Mallett, are among the thousands of happy campers converging on Riverside, counting down to festival kick-off on Friday.
“We just love it - the camping, the music, the friendly people,” Mr Brown said.
Mackay couple Bev and Nev Hancock said they were also looking forward to TCMF, but had already seen some quality entertainment since arriving in the country music capital last week.
BACKGROUNDER – RIVERSIDE CAMPING GROUNDS:
- On Wednesday morning, there were about 33 vehicles parked around the Riverside precinct waiting for camping to open. More arrived through the day and the decision was taken to open camping ahead of the original opening time of 9am Thursday.
- On Wednesday the installation of 35 portable showers and 90 portable toilets was completed to supplement the facilities in clubhouses.
- About 1300 sites are expected to be occupied this year. In 2017 there were 1343 sites sold with about 3250 campers. There is capacity for as many as 1500 sites.
- There are already have 272 camping sites pre-purchased online. (131 sold by this time last year – the first year we had this option)
- Festival campers who stay at our wonderful local caravan parks or other playing fields such as Tamworth Rugby Club and Jack Woolaston Oval.
- There are also local schools which have camping (Oxley High School and St Nicholas Primary) or open their dormitories to Festival-goers (Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School and Calrossy Anglican School). There is also the Moogee pre-pitched tents available at Cross Park near the CBD. More information is at http://www.tcmf.com.au/Accommodation/Camping-and-Caravan-Parks/
- Local sporting clubs members volunteer their time to work at the entry gates – clubs include Cricket, netball, Oz tag, softball and minor league.
- Eftpos available. No cash sales
- Campers can buy food at the Cricket, Minor League and combined Softball-Baseball clubhouses. This can include breakfast, lunch and dinnerwith some dine-in facilities.
- Camping Fees at Riverside Camping Grounds (per site) in 2018 are:
- Friday 12 January – Sunday 28 January (or part thereof) - $235
- Friday 19 January – Sunday 28 January (or part thereof) - $155
- Friday 26 January – Sunday 28 January - $100
- Friday 12 January – Sunday 28 January (or part thereof) - $235
- Friday 19 January – Sunday 28 January (or part thereof) - $155
- Friday 26 January – Sunday 28 January - $100
- Friday 12 January – Sunday 28 January (or part thereof) - $235
- Friday 19 January – Sunday 28 January (or part thereof) - $155
- Friday 26 January – Sunday 28 January - $100
- Friday 12 January – Sunday 28 January (or part thereof) - $235
- Friday 19 January – Sunday 28 January (or part thereof) - $155
- Friday 26 January – Sunday 28 January - $100
