The festival had a big finish this year, with international star Kenny Rogers performing, while the free concert saw surprise headline act McAlister Kemp deliver their Tamworth swan song before fireworks boomed in the night sky.

Tamworth mayor Col Murray said this year’s festival had set a new record for the number of events on offer and had drawn 50,000 people to Tamworth.

“It’s just been a sensational festival, getting back to heady days of the ’90s when the fest was in full flight,” Cr Murray said. 

“We’ve got to acknowledge Peel St was busier back in those days – some evolution away from the cornerstone of Peel St to the Longyard. The AELEC and the TRECC give the Longyard precinct the vibrancy and presence it has today.”

Cr Murray said many artists and venues had reported sell-out shows. 

“It was very encouraging to see a much bigger crowd at the Golden Guitar awards compared to the past few years.”

He said roughly 3600 people showed up to the red carpet ceremony and concert, up almost 1000 from last year. 

Cr Murray said opening Brisbane St had eased congestion on Scott and Duri roads and would be reopened for traffic next year. 

Hoteliers and cafe owners reported strong trade in the central business district during the past week. 

Post Office Hotel licensee Andrew Coutts said grey nomads had dominated the first weekend of the festival, with a younger crowding coming through for the peak final weekend. 

“Trade was strong throughout the week,” Mr Coutts said. 

“Overall, it was a great crowd. It was a sound festival with high energy and high spirit.

“We found there was a high influx of international tourists this year.”

Tamworth police Sergeant Neil Longworth reported the festival crowds had been mostly well-behaved. 

“Although there have been a number of people charged with street offences and assaults – both local and out-of-towners – that goes hand-in-hand with having large group of people in town and alcohol at many of the venues,” he said. 

“The vast majority have been pretty well-behaved.”

Rural Press Events manager Barry Harley said the Tamworth beach project had been a success, but problems with rain and treading sand would need to be ironed out next year. 

“All in all, there’s been a great feeling. There seems to be a lot of new people in town, enjoying the festival for the first time,” Mr Harley said.