There will be three heats run at Tamworth's Albert Hotel with the first seeing Forbes up against John Krsulja of Nundle and Muswellbrook's Carrot Bowen and the Collective.

"I wouldn't have liked to have judged it because we are three completely different acts, which makes it difficult to be judged against each other,” Forbes said.

The 2016 Toyota Star Maker grand finalist said she wanted to play the festival in Airlie Beach because of the stellar line-up it offered this year.

"It's a one-of-a-kind experience, the prize for the local finalist includes money, accommodation and VIP passes to the festival. Just to be able to go up to the festival is very exciting,” she said.

Forbes thanked local musician Blake Saban for giving Tamworth the opportunity to have something of this calibre.

"The level of talent in Tamworth is pretty incredible at the moment," she said.

There is a national final after the locals, with the winner getting the prize package as well as a performance spot.

This weekend's heat on July 31 is Joe Dabron, Scotty Troutman Band and Steve Geary and August 7 sees Short 'n' Curly, The Lost, Riverblend and Nookie and the Free Spirits competing for a spot in the final on August 14.

Forbes has festival performances coming up including Gympie Music Muster, Mildura Country Music Festival and Nimbin Roots Festival.