In light of the decision to suspend Tamworth Country Music Festival, the awards won't have all the glitz and glamour fans have come to expect but will still celebrate the achievements of Australia's country music artists.

A virtual live-streamed awards ceremony is the most likely option with the limitations set by COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings, Country Music Association of Australia chairman Dan Biddle said.

"It's disappointing and heartbreaking we won't all get to come together as normal, but there are many other sectors and industries that are all suffering through this so we have to take it in our stride," he said.

"Everyone is trying to look at the positives and trying to innovate and find ways to present our music.

"We are all really disappointed and it is a struggle to stay motivated at times but you don't have any option, there are so many people in worse situations than us."

At this stage it's unclear whether the 2021 Golden Guitar Awards will be held at Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC), but it will be broadcast out of the city by partner ABC.

Country artist Felicity Urquhart took home six Golden Guitars in January and said COVID-19 has been tough on the industry.

"It's been scary, it's been worrisome and then there's been positive moments as well with people still writing, recording and releasing music," she said.

"As a whole we have tried to band together, check in on mates and each other's wellbeing which has been a beautiful thing to be a part of.

"We haven't just sat down and put our boots up for a year, people have been proactive but I did hope there would be some way we could go ahead, I'm keeping my fingers crossed because everyone needs it."

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The night is usually an opportunity for fans to rub shoulders with the biggest names in country music but come Saturday, January 23 it's more likely festival-goers will watch the awards from their living rooms.

The nominees are expected to be announced in late November and entries are open until October 1.

Tamworth Entertainment Venues manager Peter Ross said it will be an exciting time to stream it live to get the city some exposure and reassure country music fans that the festival will be back.

"We've already started discussions of how that may look featuring landmarks of Tamworth so that they go out not only across the nation but across the world," he said.

"When the world gets back on its feet hopefully we can see international visitors in Tamworth again and at the festival."