What's on in Tamworth: Easter long weekend kicks off 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival festivities early

Tamworth will be bursting at the seams with local artisans, artists and performers as they roll into town ahead of next week's big 50^th Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Making the most of the unique opportunity is Tamworth Regional Council (TRC), who are putting on a special family night in the Fitzroy Plaza from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday.

TRC events officer Mel Jenkins said the free evening of activities will include everything from performances and kids craft to face painting and henna art.

"We've got some great activities including craft for the kids who can decorate a cowboy hat that they can wear for the next eight days," she said.

"We've got face painting, some henna art and performances including The Gomeroi Dancers and Keely Johnson's Dance Like an Animal show which is kid friendly.

"She will have some mascots and kids can get up and dance with her."

Adding to the atmosphere will be carnival rides in the Family Zone, which has already rolled in for the festival, and a variety of food trucks.

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There will even be a visit from Tamworth's environmental mascot, Sonny the Sustainability Scout.

"We're just hoping people come down, support the local restaurants that will be here because they'll be open as well, and have a nice family night out," Ms Jenkins said.

"We've also got a circus performer, who will be roaming throughout the crowd."

The event is supported by a grant from the NSW Government's Festival of Place - Summer Night fund.

"We got a grant to activate some community spaces and so we thought it was good to tie it in with Easter," Ms Jenkins said.

"The roads are closed and it's a good time because people are on holidays and it will be a bit of a festival warm-up."

The following morning Bicentennial Park will be bustling with stallholders showcasing local produce from 8am.

A mad rush of campers will also descend on the city, with riverside camping opening on Sunday, and licenced venues expecting a bumper weekend of live entertainment as artists and performers take to the stage over Easter.

And if country music isn't your thing, there will be plenty to see at AELEC with the Paint Horse Association of Australia's National Championship Show getting underway on Good Friday and wrapping up on Thursday, April 21.

The huge event is celebrating its 40^th year with visitors making their way from all over the country.

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