The stars and industry elite gathered in the city on Wednesday where the local launch of the January festival was held with an aim not to make the festival bigger – but better than ever.

As the countdown continues, with under 50 days to go, it was a celebration of country music all around with stars including Travis Collins in town to pay homage to the event that has seen their careers skyrocket.

Collins spoke of his journey to Tamworth, as a young boy who scrambled for change to buy fuel to get to the Festival and now years later could take home six golden guitars.

The launch happened just a few hours after international country superstar Keith Urban declared he was keen to return to the Country Music Capital where his stellar career began.

The former Toyota Star Maker winner is in Australia for his Ripcord tour but did not hide his love for our city.

‘‘I would love to do it. I would particularly like to take Nic (wife Nicole Kidman) because she’s never been and the kids. It’s such a huge part of my youth,’’ he told media in Sydney.

Wednesday’s event was held in conjunction with Tamworth Country Connect – Tamworth’s country music industry group.

Fairfax Rural Events group manager Kate Nugent said the festival would be a big one with 2741 official events on the official list.

“That is certainly not taking into account the many other activities that we have associated with our festival,” she said.

“(There are) 583 official acts, but that does not include all our entrants for talent quests, our musicians in all the bands and of course our buskers, so effectively we are looking at over 700 artists, once again that will be here showcased at this incredible festival.”

Festival manager Barry Harley paid tribute to a strong team of marketing and events officials who worked year round to make the festival one to remember.