THE COUNTRY Music Festival is the busiest time of year for licensed venues in Tamworth and 2019 is no different.
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Although speculation on numbers varies, the pubs are full in Tamworth and surrounds as people beat the heat the bar.
Ben Coombes from the Welders’ Dog said the heat may impact people, stopping them from coming into town during the hot period each day, although he believes sales are up on last year.
“The heat does impact people, they’re coming in late. But the sales are up last year which is good considering the drought,” he said.
He added patrons have been well behaved with a good attitude.
Harvest Entertainment’s Fraser Haughton is concerned numbers could be down from previous years.
“We’d love to see more people. Numbers feel down quieter than last year, it could be blamed on the drought,” he said.
Harvest Entertainment own The Albert, The Courthouse and The Pig & Tinder Box. Mr Haughton said he’s seen locals at all three venues.
"A lot of people get out of town, but I do see a few people our age having a good time,” he said.
Sydney tourists and long time festival-goers Garry Birnies and Shane Coleman said it isn’t the hottest Festival they’ve experienced, but they have been attending pubs in the central business district to beat the heat.
“The atmosphere is great and we’ve seen heaps of locals,” Mr Coleman said.
It’s already day seven of Festival but the big weekend is just getting started with the Australia Day public holiday bringing more people to the country music capital.
“We’re predicting next level epic. We’re hoping to see lots of locals. It’s good beer drinking weather and it’s hot and dry. We’re going to be pulling whatever petrol is left the tank,” Mr Coombes said.
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Grace Ryan
Deputy Editor at the Central Western Daily, Orange. You'll mostly find me tinkering in social media and newsletters. Working hard to get our stories in front of your eyes.
Deputy Editor at the Central Western Daily, Orange. You'll mostly find me tinkering in social media and newsletters. Working hard to get our stories in front of your eyes.
