The country icon is gearing up for one huge party at the 2017 Tamworth Country Music Festival in the form of an anniversary concert to celebrate a quarter of a century since one of his first of many chart toppers.

The concert will be held on Australia Day at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre.

"January, it'll be 25 years almost to the day that I was in Peel St making my first video clip with Boys from the Bush," Kernaghan said.

"To come back and to play at the magical TRECC building on Australia Day with the 25th anniversary concert, is really special.

He's since notched up 34 number one hits on the Australian country music charts, won a staggering 36 Golden Guitars, and sold over two million albums on the local market.

Kernaghan's love for Tamworth has only grown over the years, the music legend said.

“That feeling when you're driving into Tamworth and turning through the radio, you can almost feel the excitement in the airwaves," he said.

"Then you get down on to Peel St and it is so thick down there you can cut it with a knife.

"People all over Australia come for it - some are singers, some are songwriters, some are hardcore country fans.

"There's the Toyota concerts in the park, the epicentre of what's going on in Tamworth.

"Plan well in advance; some of the most awesome gigs are in the tiny little pubs and clubs and beer gardens - throw yourself right into it." }