The annual Tamworth Country Music Festival (TCMF) is one of the largest music festivals in Australia. The ten-day event celebrates country, folk and bluegrass amongst other various blends of modern country music, while supporting and nurturing community and culture.
Overall the festival is kid-friendly and one I would recommend putting on the bucket list.
In saying this, not everywhere within the festival is suitable for the little ones. Having our three-year-old in tow means that we’ll miss some great performances. Location being the main factor. Some of the pubs and hotels are not set up to cater for children, which is totally fine and, in all honesty, I’m all for a little R&R from the rugrats every now and then.
But, spending time with our little man and introducing him to the soul-filling music that Tamworth offers is worth missing those things. There is so much to take in and our little guy has his eyes permanently fixed on the big guitar.
To make your TCMF a holiday your kids will talk about, I highly recommend the following:
PEEL STREET
This is where community and culture explode into life. What a vibe! The street is closed off during the festival while thousands of people roam and wander, stopping to listen to the talented musicians. Buskers are set up not only on every corner, but in little nooks in shopping centres, cafes and market stalls and food stalls line the road.
THE FAMILY ZONE
This area is set up with rides, food stalls and games to keep the kids occupied. Situated along Kable Avenue, the area includes Dodgem cars, a ferris wheel, jumping castle and a slide as well as a monster truck ride, which our little man LOVED. This is just to name a few. There’s also a Family Zone Stage in the area! To find out the line-up for the Family Zone Stage, go to the TCMF website.
FREE CONCERTS IN TOYOTA PARK AND THE FANZONE
The free concerts are totally worth it for the little ones who get to sit and watch a concert while your wallet stays closed. Both areas are set up for you to sit and relax and enjoy some great music, while the kids dance and let off some steam. Fanzone is located in Peel Street.
FESTIVAL FRINGE
The 'Festival Fringe' runs on selected nights in Fitzroy Street Plaza. It includes fire performers, comedy contortionists, unicyclists, circus acts and other street performers as well as buskers and special pop up performances!
There is also face painting between at certain hours!
THE CALVACADE
The calvacade is a procession of utes and cars showcasing not only the musicians from the festival, but also anyone who has registered their ute and decorated it in the parade’s theme. This usually occurs on the last Saturday of the festival.
THE GOLDEN GUITAR
The giant golden guitar is worth a look at the very least. I’d go as far as to say it’s worth a selfie. Take the kids, do some poses and then check out the tourist centre and wax museum.
THE PLAYGROUND
Spend hours at the Tamworth Regional Playground where children will find endless fun. It has a skywalk, three giant slides, four towers, a bike track, junior and senior fitness circuits, a dual flying fox and a waterfall with a three-metre sway bridge. Parents, there’s also a café/restaurant where you can take a well-earned break.
The experience is one to remember. I totally get why it’s considered one of the coolest music festivals in the world. It’s stinking hot, but that’s easily forgotten with a cold drink and great Aussie music.