TUNES in the Tropics music festival was a long way from its usual resort destination in Fiji this year.
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The country music festival was streamed online live from Tamworth on Saturday amid the COVID-19 crisis, but it has supported the people of Fiji in an extra special way.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic and tough times for tourism, Chris Watson Travel's Chris Watson and Tunes in the Tropics ambassador Ashleigh Dallas wanted to help.
The pair pulled together a slew of stars to perform for an online event on Saturday, to raise money for their Fijian 'family'.
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More than $5000 had already been donated on Monday by 10,000 viewers and will be spent at a local grocery store in Fiji to fund food hampers.
Every staff member working at the resort, which usually hosts Chris Watson Travel's biannual Tunes in the Tropics festival tour, will get a package.
"We've always had a relationship with the people of Fiji, they are so happy ... and are the most beautiful people with the biggest hearts," Mr Watson said. "They look after us and we look after them."
The festival sees about 220 tourists and 12 artists travel to Fiji's Hideaway Resort every second year, and is due to run next August.
But in the COVID era the pair wanted to support the staff who had become like 'family' over the long-running history of Tunes in the Tropics.
"This year has affected every single industry ... but this event put all of that aside and people put their own hardships aside to help the greater good and the people of Fiji," Ms Dallas said. "The relationship stands strong."
The concert and donation pages are still up online.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
