Tamworth Powerstation Museum switches the lights back on to celebrate the city's electrifying anniversary

Volunteers have lit up at the opportunity to bring people back through the doors of the Powerstation Museum to celebrate the flick of the switch that put Tamworth on the map more than 130 years ago.

After COVID-19 restrictions forced last years celebrations to be scaled back, Tamworth's Cultural Collections Officer Naomi Blakey said she was thrilled that the event could go forward with double the capacity.

"We're excited to be throwing the doors open and sharing the magic of this place," she said.

For a gold coin donation, visitors will be able to experience the wonder of electricity and relive the iconic day in 1888 when the lights first came on with the help of the museum's passionate and knowledgeable volunteers.

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The event will shine a light on the momentous occasion with guided tours, access to the museum and steam engine demonstrations to celebrate another milestone.

"It's also a great opportunity to see the John Fowler steam engines running, which are only lit a handful of times each year," Ms Blakey said.

While Tamworth is commonly regarded as the country music capital, museum volunteers Kevin Adams and Lionel Franklin said each year they looked forward to the November 9 celebrations to remind the public of Tamworth's electrifying history.

"Before country music it used to to be the City of Lights," Mr Franklin said.

With something for everyone, Mr Adams and Mr Franklin said they couldn't wait to see the older generations reminiscing and kids wide-eyed with everything the museum has on display.

"You've got people coming through saying my grandfather or my mother had that in their house," Mr Franklin said.

Unable to share Tamworth's glowing history for the past few months due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mr Adams said Tuesday's celebrations would be a reminder of his love for the Powerstation Museum.

"It's a good way of getting out, you're with the public, you're with volunteers, it's a good experience," he said.

Due to capacity limits pre-registration is essential.

However, as a much-loved annual event, opening hours at the museum have been extended this year for families, tourists and local school excursions.

The museum will light up from 12pm till 7pm on Tuesday November 9.

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