HOT weather provided the perfect atmosphere in which to launch the 2015 Tamworth Country Music Festival in the city yesterday.
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The event was launched in style yesterday with plenty of music and fun from Toyota Star Maker winners Jared Porter and Kaylee Bell and good mates Kaylens Rain.
The artists said it was an honour to launch an event like the festival.
“It is like Christmas for us,” Kaylee Harrison of Kaylens Rain said.
Kaylee Bell said Tamworth felt like home.
“I’m really, really honoured to be opening the festival,” she said.
Current Toyota Star Maker Jared Porter said the festival had “changed his whole life” and he had to thank everyone for that.
The countdown can now begin in earnest and Tamworth Regional Council mayor Col Murray predicts the event will be bigger and better than ever.
“We are heading in exciting directions,” he said.
“What we’ve seen is typical of what I really like – the new generation who are moving into a leadership role of A-grade entertainers.”
TRC festival director John Sommerlad said Tamworth would welcome an official delegation from our US sister city, Nashville, including mayor Karl Dean.
Tamworth will also host US country music royalty in the form of Kenny Rogers, who will wrap up festival celebrations at TRECC on Sunday, January 25, on his final tour of Australia.
Mr Sommerlad hinted at further announcements for the 2015 Tamworth Country Music Festival in coming weeks.
“This will further enhance the festival and awards,” he said.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson encouraged fans to support the artists who made the festival what it was.
“We need to roll out the red carpet for them,” he said.
Mr Anderson said the city needed to make it as easy for the artists as we could.
He also personalised the launch by sharing anecdotes from his 21 festivals.
Mr Sommerlad wrapped up the launch by saying to the artists, “Thanks for the music”.
The finalists in the 2015 Country Music Awards of Australia will be announced on Monday at a function in Sydney.