Opinion: TCMF 2020 planning ideas | John Fuller

Firstly, can I say that 2019 was a great effort, considering the drought and other uncontrollable influences that had to be faced.

I have been a Tamworth resident since 1990 and so have experienced 29 festivals as a business person and now as a semi-retiree, I have more time to enjoy the shows, the artists, and the Tamworth atmosphere. I still work a casual delivery job which keeps me in touch with what is happening on the streets, so can speak with some awareness.

I do miss the street atmosphere created by the musicians; the street theatre; the characters (where is chook man?); the multitude of cacophonous noise. The line dancing in the street; the impromptu accompaniment by onlookers; the families at night with the kids faces of amazement. All this is now gone, a thing of the past, only a memory of days gone by. But, that is progress, and laws, and OHS, and litigation, and many other reasons I guess, all there to protect us from ourselves.

I like the park concerts idea, it seems to be working well. Just need to tidy up the desert area that is the entrance to a wonderful park and natural auditorium.

There has been enough talk about the street closures. It seems to be working to a degree, so just let it settle. No more changes please. As a delivery driver I can say this year was good. Maybe check the loading zones more often might help. There is going to be traffic gridlock at peek periods, that is to be expected.

Walking the streets in the morning was so hot, but its Tamworth in January you cant change that. I would like to see more buskers and less street acts (jugglers, fire eaters, tricksters). Is there any country-orientated act other than whipcracking? I recall watching some truck pulling a couple of years back. Didn't see the mechanical bull this year, maybe he moved. Nor have I seen the Clydesdales for a few years. Did I read that Carlton Breweries have retired their horses?  Maybe some timber cutting chainsawing contest would be novel. Can all these sort of acts be in the one place though? 

We have sideshow alley in Kable Avenue. We have traders stalls down the middle of Peel Street. Maybe down the Coles end or close off between Bourke and Brisbane streets and draw some crowds down that way for our resident shop owners. They could do with maybe four days of boosted trade. 

Now I also think FanZone in Fitzroy Street is great spot to catch an act. Why are there umbrellas blocking the view. You can read who is on and coming up next. It is not overcrowded but maybe turn the volume up a little bit.

What can be done about the night times? Nothing going on in the street. No buskers out after dark. Are they all scared of vampire cowboys? I know it is the time for clubs and pubs and big concerts, but hey we don't all want that, especially for the families.

Fitzroy Street "Piazza" would be a fine place to have acoustic only busking in the evenings. Maybe three or four designated spots for buskers to prebook, say, 15 minute performance. I recall the opening of the "Piazza Fitzroy" with a little entertainment and some food and drink. A nice evening out. 

Actually, if TRC were fair dinkum about supporting country music this would be a regular thing on say a Friday night once a month or even more. There is a saying 'build it and they will come' but only if you promote it. Country music on a regular time slot all year in Tamworth that's an idea.

I see an article about driver-less buses recently. These would be great for moving people in the heat from Paradise/Riverside etc to the CBD, or hire some golf buggies and move people that way.

The advertising opportunities are huge. As far as carparking goes, I can see that Viaduct Park could be utilised with free buggy transport to the venues/CBD. On a small scale, this is done at Nundle Easter Festival and is much appreciated. It would also funnel people into the western end of Peel Street past the locally run businesses which would be a nice boost.