Tamworth's program of events beginning to fill for 2021 as COVID-safe plans are arranged, boosting tourism and business

The paddocks on the outskirts of the city next to AELEC are full of horse trucks and trailers once again, after the ten-day Nutrien Classic event kicked off last week.

The nearby Longyard Hotel has already seen a surge in bookings and business, as travellers to the region seek out a local pub to wind down in after a day at the arena.

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"It's a really big event for us and we are full of bookings each day, with customers coming out of that area so it's a good event that's had record registration this year," The Pub Group's Craig Power said.

"We're busy daily and our weekends are that little bit more busy."

Mr Power said the packed program of events usually set down for Tamworth across facilities like AELEC, TRECC and the sports complex helped to keep businesses going through the year.

"They are a major part of why businesses are situated where they are and why they are so popular, so having the equine centre, the entertainment centre and the sports centre close keeps us busy during the year," he told the Leader.

"Any boost to business after what we have gone through for the past 12 months is positive and it's good to see people are happy to comply with the rules we still have in place."

Tamworth Regional Council has been lining up events for Tamworth, with a plan for the Taste Tamworth festival simmering away and live shows set down at entertainment venues every weekend for the next few months.

A 3000-strong crowd was managed at the Australia Day concert last week.

Council's coordinator of economic and destination development Kate Baker said events are "critical" to the city.

"To see the Nutrien Classic on at AELEC at the moment and see the car park full again is really beautiful to see and so important for Tamworth's economy," she said.

"It's critical we target tourists and support the caravan parks, the motels, the accommodation providers, the food providers, they have been really hard hit by COVID and the last 12 months has been really challenging for them, so whatever campaign we can do to increase visitation to help them."

Ms Baker said the community had been "understanding" of the COVID rules in place at large events.