Tamworth's hospitality scene prepare for the postponed Tamworth Country Music Festival but raise concerns over visitor numbers

Tamworth's bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants are preparing for a jam-packed period this April.

But for The Press Basement Bar and Williamsburg director, Luke Fielding, it's a rush that's very much welcome.

"I assume, and I hope, it's going to be a strong boost and it's going to help get you through those cold quieter months," Mr Fielding said.

The regular 10-day-festival usually brings in enough revenue to keep businesses afloat for around six months.

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But with the festival being held in April for the first time in its 50 year history, Mr Fielding said it was hard to predict what this year would bring.

"You can always go off patterns of 'this is what we did last year so we're going to do similar or better this year', but there's nothing to go on for this week coming up," he said.

"It's going to be a very tricky week."

The Pub Group director Craig Power said his team had been analysing data to help them prepare for the new festival dates, since the postponement was announced in January.

"It's all pretty calculated," he said.

"We follow accommodation bookings as well and accommodation bookings in town all look positive."

Between petrol prices, flooding around NSW and the Parkes Elvis Festival being held at the same time, Mr Fielding said he thought there might be a decrease in travellers, and urged locals to get out and support the festivities.

"I don't think we can rely on travelers for this festival," he said.

"I think it's going to rely on the locals to make it successful for all the venues."

While the festival dates have changed, Mr Fielding said he'd also like to see rules around COVID-19 isolation shift as well, to keep businesses open throughout the six day festival.

Mr Fielding said the requirement for household contacts to continue to isolate was creating staff shortages in venues.

"I don't know how long we can keep operating under those rules," he said.

Mr Fielding said he was considering implementing the wearing of face masks for staff members during the festival period, while Mr Power said The Pub Group venues had recently hired more staff specifically for the rush.

But before the festivities even kicks off, licensees, managers, employees and key personnel are invited to a pre-festival celebration of the hospitality industry.

Mr Fielding teamed up with Tamworth MP and Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson to host a hospitality industry night at the Press Basement Bar.

"The hospitality industry struggled for the last few years, it's had good moments and bad moments but it's definitely been a struggle," Mr Fielding said.

"I think it's really good to get together share some stories, share any plans on how they're going to deal with the next few weeks and just a bit of a reward for getting through the past few years."

The event will include a complimentary bar tab and food, as well as live entertainment.

"You can look at [different venues] as competitors, but I think stronger together, I think when we're all successful that's better for the community," Mr Fielding said.

The event will be held at the Press Basement Bar on April 12, at 6:30pm.

To book a table for the hospitality industry event, email thepress2340@gmail.com

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