Festival regulars would recognise Mr Fitch and his artwork, which brings to life the festival scenes unfolding before his eyes.

“Over the last few years it’s been creeping up, from $250 to $400, and now they want to charge $600,” Mr Fitch said.

“It’s just bullshit mate. I can’t afford it. I live in Adelaide, so just to get there costs quite a bit. I don’t make a lot of money, I just like to paint what's going on in Tamworth.

“I want to paint, I don’t want to cause trouble, but this year it’s just crazy. I can’t afford to pay and I'm not a vendor, I’m part of the attraction.”

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Mr Fitch said when he contacted Tamworth Regional Council about the increased price, he was told that was the normal fee.

A council spokesperson confirmed the fee for an artisan site was $600 for 10 days.

“Fees from traders go toward cover cost of structures for commercial stalls in Peel Street and toward cost of the security that is engaged each evening in the areas where commercial and food stall are located,” they said.

“Also assists in covering running power to the sites to ensure they have readily accessible reliable power for their operations.”

- Commercial trader in Peel Street – $2148 for 10 days (includes a structure, lighting and power)

- Food trader in Toyota Park – $1980 for 10 days (includes power)

- Food traders in Fitzroy Street – $1600 for 10 days (includes power)

- Commercial trader in Kable Ave – $1200 for the 10 days

- Artisan site – $600 for 10 days

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