Tens of thousands of of people will revel in the nation’s day of celebrations in Tamworth as the country music festival steps up a notch.

And, police are ready for the shenanigans.

“If members of the community want to play up then they can expect to encounter police,” Oxley Acting Superintendent Jeff Budd told The Leader.

“The community wants to enjoy the country music festival and Australia Day celebrations, it’s not about hooligans running amok in the streets or playing up.”

Operation Kirkton – the cop blitz comprising more than 200 extra officers who are helping to police the festival – will continue over the public holiday and into the weekend.

“We’re more than happy to support safe activities,” Acting Superintendent Budd said.

“But we won’t tolerate stupidity and offensive conduct.”

The Australia Day public holiday on Thursday has turned the end of school holidays into an extra long weekend for some but it’s also created the perfect storm.

The school holidays will finish this weekend, so too the country music festival, and school zones kick back into gear on Friday.

Operation Safe Return has been launched by police with double demerits in force for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorbike helmet offences.

“We have seen examples of dangerous and stupid behaviour on our roads in school holidays and we’re pleading for motorists to do the right thing,” Highway Patrol Sergeant Michael Buko said.

“Take regular breaks, wear a seatbelt, ensure children are restrained properly, drive to the conditions, don’t speed and don’t drive if you’re feeling fatigued.

“And, please don’t use a mobile phone while you’re driving, because it only takes seconds of inattention for a tragedy to occur.”

Operation Kirkon and double demerits run until midnight on Sunday.