The Back to the Bush concert features artists including Jeff Brown, Graham Rodger, Reg Poole, Tom Maxwell, Dianne Lindsay, Peter Simpson, Johnny Greenwood, Dean Perrett, Anne Kirkpatrick with James Arneman, Caitlyn Jane, Peter Coad, The Coad Sisters, Jim Hermel, Anita Ree, Terry Gordon, Peter Smith and Brian Letton.

Peter Simpson said he and Dianne Lindsay wanted there to be balance at the festival with Australian content.

"We need to put the balladeers in the spotlight," he said. "We believe it's part of our culture and a very big part of the festival, but we don't think everyone should sing bush ballads, because we're supportive of other music, too."

Lindsay said it was important to keep the bush ballads alive and well, because they were about Australian culture and our past and way of life.

"All the artists loved it last year," she said. "We got a great crowd and really expect another great crowd tonight.

"Bush ballads really do have such a strong following."

Simpson said the balladeers wanted to support Tamworth and keep the crowds here.

"We love Tamworth and want to support it," he said. "We are grateful for the council's support for this concert."

The concert is at 7pm in Toyota Park.