THE streets are closed, the stages are set and the stars are arriving in droves – it could only mean one thing.
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The 2017 Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival has arrived and it promises 10 days of jam-packed entertainment.
Tamworth will transform into a hive of activity with more than 2700 events over the next week and a half.
There’s almost 600 official acts at more than 120 official music venues, and that doesn’t include all the talent quest entrants, musicians and more than 350 buskers who will take to the streets.
Tamworth’s population is expected to more than double as droves of visitors make their way to the city and pack out accommodation venues and camping grounds.
It all officially begins tonight at an extravagant live and free concert at Toyota (Bicentennial Park), where Tamworth will well and truly come alive.
The stars will take to the stage from 7pm to welcome everyone to the big event.
The Toyota Opening Concert will feature performances by the CMAA Academy of Country Music, Golden Guitar winners Pete Denahy, Catherine Britt and Amber Lawrence, The Bushwackers, Bennett, Bowtell and Urquhart Mitch King, 2016 Toyota Star Maker winner Karin Page, Ben Ransom Band and Hurricane Fall.
The event will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm.
One of the festival’s founding fathers, Max Ellis, believes the event gets bigger and better each year.
He is pleased to see traditional country music continue the fight to play a role in Australian history.
“I think it’s all going very well, people have been working hard,” Mr Ellis said.
“You only need to go through the guide to get a clear impression of how vibrant and active our whole festival is at the moment.
“There are so many artists involved and there’s such a variety of entertainment.
“Things are getting so exciting, it ranges from the rodeos at AELEC to horse events, traditional country music and right through to country rock – the festival covers everything.”
Mr Ellis said the festival also encouraged togetherness between artists and their fan base. He was proud the event had reached 45 years and was still growing.
“I guess we take it for granted,” he said.
“It’s going to be bigger and better every year and it’s only succeeding because of what is being put into it.
“Over the years a lot of people and a lot of companies and entities have put an enormous amount of work and investment into the Festival.
“It’s good to see there is such a commitment,” Mr Ellis said.
