It’s a better start to the festival for Bertha than last year’s.

She fell on the first morning and broke ankle, wrist and finger. She spent three weeks in hospital.

This year she has already cooked eight potato bakes for the crowds stopping in to check out what the 31st festival has to offer. 

As one of the festival volunteers said: thank goodness she’s back.

With many musos commuting along the New England Highway to the Tamworth Country Music Festival this month, Guyra draws the attention of thousands with fresh, local produce and a stellar line-up of live music every day. 

Music program organiser and Crooked Tree lead singer Ian Russell said this year’s event is set to impress with a huge line-up of live music with acts scheduled every day of the festival between 12pm and 2pm.

The weekend music events include Jazz, Irish and a Divas of Country night as well as a Blues event.

Festival-goers will also get a rare opportunity to learn a musical instrument with the help from Armidale’s Highly Strung ukulele band. 

“They are talking about running a workshop as well so that people can learn how to play the ukulele and join in the show,” Mr Russell said.

“I think the acts that we’ve got are going to be fantastic.”

Festival committee president Steve Mepham said the festival had grown in popularity since it began in 1986 and now showcases the region as an ideal place to live.

“It started primarily from lamb and potatoes in the areas as the staple industries,” Mr Mepham said.

“But it’s no longer just about that – it showcases Guyra as a place to live. We’ve had people move here who first came to Guyra for the festival.

“We believe conservatively about 40,000 people pass through, but only through the food sales at the gazebo, so that’s a very conservative estimate.

“The Chamber of Commerce is pushing Guyra on a plate so it’s tying in with that.”