In a move aimed at addressing one of artists’ biggest festival bugbears, performers will be able to register their interest for accommodation at Calrossy’s Simpson House.

It is a joint venture between the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA), Tamworth Regional Council and Calrossy Anglican School.

CMAA vice-chairman Roger Corbett said negotiations had been going on for some time and accommodation had been offered to CMAA Academy of Country Music students and to CMAA professional members.

“This is less expensive accommodation and more communal and not impersonal,” he said.

“Over the years, it’s our intention to work in with Calrossy to create an artist precinct that is accommodation sensibly priced and looks after the artists in a different way than a house, motel or tent. 

“People can meet over breakfast and interact in common areas, there is space to rehearse and hang out. 

“There is a pool, it is airconditioned and will include a cooked breakfast.” 

Mr Corbett said organising affordable festival accommodation was difficult for many artists and, after paying a band, did not leave much money in the till.

“The whole thing becomes expensive,” he said.

“It’s tough out there. We want people to be able to come to Tamworth and have affordable accommodation.” 

Tamworth multi-instrumentalist Lawrie Minson has long been an advocate for Tamworth to look after the artists better.

“This is a step in the right direction,” he said.

“It’s easy when you live here: you’ve got a home to go to. 

“With the type of festival we present, it’s largely dependent on the quality of the entertainers we attract here. 

“I would like to think we would have a reputation for treating those visiting with the very best of conditions; unfortunately, in the past, that hasn’t been the case.” 

Mr Minson said it was fundamental to ensuring the longevity of the festival, and said a precinct for musicians and artists was a good idea.

“I certainly applaud the CMAA for taking that kind of initiative,” he said.

“I would like to see a precinct where you have an area of transportable accommodation, which would be basic and have airconditioning and power, something that could have 24-hour security, a lock-up area for instruments and amenities. 

“We would need to make it affordable, that’s the bigger picture that I see. 

“There are certainly a number of schools around that have boarding facilities that could be used, but a musicians’ village would be an even better step.”