About 40 people were rugged up in doonas and clutching flasks of hot chocolate when the doors of the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre opened at 9am, with the first fan arriving at 4.30am.

The popular US singer has captivated Tamworth since announcing her June 29 concert at TRECC earlier this month, with CD sales booming and social media forums bursting with Carrie concert hype.

Fans have three options to purchase concert tickets ? over the phone, online or the old-fashioned way of lining up in the wee hours of the morning at the box office, and it's clear this method is still popular.

Tamworth resident Carolyne Morris was one who decided to wait in person to get her two tickets yesterday.

"I love American country music and I like Carrie's story," Mrs Morris said.

"It's wonderful to get international performers here and we should support them."

Priced at $99 each, Mrs Morris said the tickets were affordable for an international artist, but definitely "a treat for herself".

Tamworth Regional Council festival co- ordinator Kate Baker took a break from answering calls to speak to The Leader and said the phones "were ringing hot" yesterday.

Mrs Baker said she expected the concert would sell out, although she couldn't say when that would happen, but early indications are positive.

At the time of going to press, there were only 1000 seats left for eager buyers to snap up, with 4000 tickets sold yesterday.

"She's very popular. The first influx of sales is a really good sign," Mrs Baker said.

Emma Gunter from Tamworth left with five tickets for herself and friends to see the US singer.

"I'm looking forward to seeing her, it's something good for Tamworth," she said.

You can get your ticket online at www.visittam worth.com/ticket_sales.html or in person at the Capitol Theatre or Tamworth Visitor Information Centre.