With just hours to go until the big event, the city is gearing up to transform into a country music mecca, with thousands of visitors set to stream through our streets.

On Wednesday morning, Tamworth Regional Council crews shut down part of Kable Avenue and Fitzroy St, to make away for an abundance of stallholders and activity zones that will be in play over the next ten days.

The stage at Bicentennial (Toyota) Park was set up by crews on Tuesday, to make way for ten days of free nightly concerts. It all begins on Friday night at the park, where the official opening concert will be held from 7pm.

Some of the industry’s biggest names, including Catherine Britt and Amber Lawrence, will join forces with their musical mates to welcome in the 45^th festival.

Peel St, from White St to Bourke St, will be closed from 5am on Friday, while Brisbane St, from the Kable Avenue to Marius St intersections, will remain open to traffic. Roads are expected to reopen on Monday, January 30.

The popular Toyota 4x4 Track was being created on Wednesday on the edge of Toyota Park. Visitors and residents can expect to see see more stalls popping up on Thursday.

Festival manager Barry Harley said the festival is already showing the sure signs of a ripper event. “There is a very positive energy in town and indications are that there are more people in town early this year,” he said. “Testimony to this, is the early opening by the Mayor of the temporary camp grounds.  

“Just walking down town there is a really positive vibe among stakeholders and the community, which holds well for another great festival.”

“A festival which will feature cornerstone events, as well as new initiatives like an enlarged family zone, the ten concerts in Toyota Park, featuring cameo appearances rather than just one artist performances; all purposely designed to give fans and visitors a snapshot of what they can expect at venues across the city and along the main street.”