HATS OFF TO THE FESTIVAL: 2013 Country Music Queen Sophie Dewhurst and Princess Kate Coburn tip their hats to the end of an ‘incredible’ festival. Photo: Robert Chappel 290113RCA0004
By Gavin Coote
TAMWORTH’S new royal duo have hit the ground running with their diaries starting to fill.
The 2013 Country Music Queen and Princess have big plans for their ceremonial year – and have started fielding calls from others who want their time and presence.
The newly-crowned Queen of Country Music Sophie Dewhurst has had little downtime since the announcement of her win lon the last day of the country music fesiva.
The 18-year-old hairdresser apprentice and zumba instructor said she was really excited about getting involved as much as possible.
“One of my biggest plans is to embrace Tamworth and give back to the community through volunteering and charity work,” Ms Dewhurst said.
“I really can’t wait to start attending chamber events, which will be the biggest highlight for my year as Queen.”
It was a hectic runup to the queen crowning and the two have taken a bit of a breather n the past couple of days to catch up.
“It’s hard to pick a highlight but the group of girls in the quest really made it such a great and supportive time,” she said. “No one did it alone.”
She is considering studying theatre and performance at UNE and will continue to run her own mobile spray tan business. She’s passionate about all things fashion and is particularly interested in getting into editorial stylising.
Princess Kate Coburn, 23, is a friendly and familiar face for many who might often walk into the local Telstra shop. She told The Leader her boss suggested Kate join the quest and was thankful for the “amazing” opportunity.
“Getting behind the scenes at the Golden Guitar Awards was a real highlight,” Ms Coburn said.
“I was really impressed with the quality and production of it all, and the artists are incredible.”
She studies business and marketing at the University of Newcastle and said she can see the light at the end of the tunnel as she completes her final three subjects by distance education.
“I’m very keen to stay around Tamworth,” she said. “It’s got absolutely everything you need – it’s close enough to the big cities but it’s got that small town feel.”