ALISON Edwards is proud to be keeping "the face" of Tamworth as the country music capital, confident two COVID-safe concerts can go ahead at the caravan park she runs.
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Ms Edwards is organising two live country music shows for keen fans at Austin Tourist Park next week.
"Now is as good of a time as any to reward the faithful fans, the ones still keen to have a go are here and are coming," she told the Leader.
"We believe we have got everything as COVID-safe as possible."
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Ms Edwards said the events will be ticketed and all guests must check-in.
"We are asking everyone to bring their own seat ... and we are strongly encouraging people to wear masks," she said.
Ms Edwards said her decision to push ahead with the event was not made to boost business.
"We'll be lucky to break even out of these shows, but for us it was never about the money, it's always been about keeping the face of country music in Tamworth," she said.
The caravan park is offering a seven-night package during what would have been Tamworth Country Music Festival 2021.
We'll be lucky to break even out of these shows, but for us it was never about the money, it's always been about keeping the face of country music in Tamworth.
- Alison Edwards, Austin Tourist Park
"There are still people who are really keen but people are being stymied by border restrictions ... there are some premiers that clearly need a holiday because they keep making decisions that annoy their citizens," Ms Edwards said.
Ms Edwards said the concerts will feature some country music favourites as well as up-and-comers.
Darren Coggan, Kathryn Jones, Jamie Lindsay, Sally-Anne Whitten, Shyanne Irwin and Rae Moody are all set to take the stage on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.
The first of the caravans bound for the country music capital rolled into the park on Wednesday, with more expected on Friday and at the weekend.
Businesses across town were planning to host live shows as part of an 'unofficial' venue-led country festival.
Several venues have cancelled either their non-ticketed shows or their whole schedule of live events recently, due to COVID-19 rules.
The list includes Wests Entertainment Group, the Longyard Hotel, The Press 2340, The Tamworth Hotel, the Courtyard Hotel, Tamworth Services Club and the Tudor Hotel.
When the Leader went to press on Thursday, there were still performances lined up for the TRECC, Moonshiners, the Square Man Inn, Joe Maguires Pub, the North Tamworth Bowling Club, the Post Office Hotel, and more.
Tamworth Regional Council is planning a free 3000-person concert in Bicentennial Park for Australia Day.
Tickets and a schedule of events can be found at the Destination Tamworth website.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
