The academy took home a $1000 advertising package with NBN Television for their efforts, festival media team representative Erin Chillingworth said.

Ms Chillingworth said there were more floats this year – about 100.

“It was definitely one of the biggest we’ve had in the past few years,” she said.

The Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards float came second.

The cavalcade theme this year was Songs of Slim – and Slim Dusty’s widow, Joy McKean, daughter Anne Kirkpatrick and son David Kirkpatrick took more than hour to come to their decision, the standard of entries was so good.

“Tamworth Dance Academy had more than 100 dancers dancing behind the float. They were all dressed up and they had signs saying ‘G’day, G’day’,” Ms Chillingworth said.

The crowds lining Peel St were up this year. The Lions Club of Tamworth, with Tom Maxwell on board its Pub With No Beer-themed float, took out first prize in the Non-Commercial/Community category. 

First prize in the Best Non-Vehicle Category went to the Leconfield Jackaroo and Jillaroo School. Their winning entry featured whipcracking drovers on horseback and “cows” being herded up Peel St. 

Ms McKean and her family were blown away with the tributes to Slim Dusty.

The winners will be presented with their prizes and plaques at a presentation in February.