SEPTEMBER 1 is looming as decision day for Tamworth Regional Council to outline whether the 2021 Tamworth Country Music Festival will go ahead.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Stakeholders are eager for a decision on the festival's future as country music fans decide on whether or not to make the annual trek to the Australian country music capital.
The council has refused any media requests related to next year's festival and has set down the date next week to reveal the latest festival update.
Read Also:
Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club president Mitch Hanlon said travellers had already paid deposits on camping sites at the Marius Street ground.
"We certainly don't envy the council for the position it's in at the moment," Mr Hanlon said.
"I personally would like to see some clarity about what's going to happen, but I also understand that it is impossible to give that based on how quickly things can change.
"It's a tough call and I certainly wouldn't want to be in the council's shoes."
The Magpies are not alone in accepting bookings for camping lots as North Tamworth Bears have also begun advertising on social media.
"If the festival were to be cancelled, we would cope but it would impact our finances going forward for the year," Mr Hanlon said.
"We normally use the money we raise during the festival to help pay off the loan we've got on our clubhouse.
"However, if people do want to get a refund on money they've already put down,or carry it over to next year, we totally understand that."
Wests League Club chief executive officer Rod Laing said several local venues would meet next Thursday to discuss their options regarding the festival.
"Clubs like ours, the Servies, South Bowlo and Kootingal Bowlo will all get together and discuss what's happening because we just want to plan ahead," Mr Laing said.
"Currently, it is very difficult for us to plan anything because no one has a crystal ball.
"Hopefully we will be able to come to a resolution about what we're doing and have some clarity."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
