From the festival flags through to the plethora of cowboy boots around town, here are 10 things you notice when the Tamworth Country Music Festival is on.
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1. The campers arrive: Yes, the Tamworth Country Music Festival is well and truly near – or here – when the campers roll into town. Whether it's caravans, tents or even the out of town number plates you notice first – these festival visitors sure know how to have a boot-scooting good time.
2. The buskers set up on Peel Street: From the old covers to their own originals – there's plenty of new, old, good and not so good talent in the city's main street. Singing for their supper and perhaps on the lookout for some sneaky talent scouts looking for country's next big star.
3. The festival flags go up around the city: Those familiar faces of country artists are printed on banners and strewn across the city – one of the first warning signs the Tamworth Country Music Festival is about to begin.
4. Finding your mate in the main street or the pub turns into a game of Where's Wally: We all know that feeling of wriggling your way through the crowds when the live gigs are on, trying not to spill your drinks on unsuspecting pub-goers, but how about trying to find your mate in Peel Street among the crowds?
5. Cowboy hats and cowboy boots suddenly become the latest fashion accessory: Come on – you might have them hidden in the back of the cupboard, but if there's one thing for sure – it’s that those boots and cowboy hats make a grand comeback during the country music festival. Couple them up with your favourite pair of jeans and a belt with a large shiny buckle and you're ready to head to a local hoedown.
6. There's more police in Tamworth than ever before: Police horses, police in golf carts – you name it. Locals are just than little extra more behaved when the extra men and women in blue roll in to town. Watch out!
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7. A night out at the TRECC gets a little bit fancy: Sparkling gowns and killer heels – oh, and don't forget about the suits and ties. The red carpet is rolled out and the stars swap their boots and hats for evening attire at the Golden Guitar awards.
8. The tar starts to melt and things start to get a little bit sweaty: Campers are up early to get things done before the weather heats up – while they're out exploring the sites or relaxing in their own inflatable pools, the locals know better and retreat to the nearest air conditioned venue. Yes – you know the festival is here when the weather is too unbearable for even Tamworthians.
9. A 'Peelie' is done on foot rather than in the car: The streets are shut off and it's time to stroll. There's no cars allowed in Peel Street during the 10-day event and it's a sure sign the festival is near when those barriers go up.
10. That good old country atmosphere: Whether it's the sounds blasting from pubs and clubs, the hoards of festival-goers crossing Bridge Street to head into town or taking the kids to wave to the stars at the end of festival cavalcade – Tamworth gets a little bit more cheery during festival time – and even the locals notice.
