Every year, the Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival transforms the town of Tamworth into the heart and soul of Australian country music – an event that has put Tamworth on the map! This festival is not just a celebration of country music but also a showcase of talent, culture, and community spirit, with over 300,000 people flocking to the streets of Tamworth each January. Over the 10 days, Australia’s biggest country music stars perform at the best pubs and bars of Tamworth each night, showcasing the city’s passion and love of country music in a fun and unique way!
Here’s a look at some of the highlights of the 2025 Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival:
Toyota’s Iconic Hat and Pin Sales
One of the most popular attractions is the Toyota Zone, due to the iconic Toyota Hat and Pin Sales. Every year, these collectible items become a must-have, offering a unique piece of memorabilia to celebrate the festival – with hats being only $3! The custom hats and pins are highly sought after, and many fans wear them proudly throughout the week at the many venues and stages of the festival. All proceeds from the sales also go towards a charity partner Toyota selects each year, this year raising over $54,000 for Sora community services.
The Wiggles Take Tamworth
In 2024, Toyota began their partnership with The Wiggles, bringing us The Big Red Ute (HiLux), which led to joining forces in Tamworth due to the launch of their new Country album. Their inclusion was a brilliant way to introduce the next generation to country music in a fun and engaging way. The Wiggles not only performed at an all-ages concert at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre but also attended the Toyota Zone to sell their limited-edition Wiggles hats and Big Red Ute pin, drawing a very large and excited crowd.
4×4 Track 
Toyota also gave attendees the chance to learn about and take a ride in vehicles from their 4×4 range with The Bates Advanced Driving team. Completely free of charge, visitors could choose between the All-New LandCruiser Prado, LandCruiser 300 or HiLux and be taken on an obstacle course style track, right in the heart of Tamworth. This gave fans the chance to test out the cars and have fun doing it – even the Big Red Ute took on the challenge!
Toyota Star Maker
One of the most exciting and anticipated aspects of the Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival is the Toyota Star Maker competition. This prestigious talent search has launched the careers of some of Australia’s biggest country music stars, including Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, and Gina Jeffreys. The competition continues to be an essential part of the festival, offering aspiring country artists a chance to shine on a national stage. Through the Toyota Star Maker, new talent is discovered, providing festivalgoers with a unique opportunity to see the country music stars of tomorrow. The competition is always filled with raw talent, passion, and incredible performances. Along with the title of ‘45th Toyota Star Maker’, this year’s winner Felicity Kircher receives a prize package valued at over $100,000, which includes 12 months’ use of a Toyota Rav4.
Toyota Golden Guitar Awards: Honouring Excellence in Country Music
The Toyota Golden Guitar Awards are the pinnacle of the festival and the Australian country music scene. Held annually as part of the Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival, the awards celebrate the best of the best in country music. Artists are recognised for their achievements in songwriting, performance, and contributions to the genre. Winning a Golden Guitar is a career-defining achievement for any country artist, and the ceremony is a testament to the enduring legacy of country music in Australia. This year, Keith Urban was in attendance to accept the honour of being inducted into the Roll of Renown, Tamworth’s (and Australia’s) hall of fame for Australian and New Zealand country music artists.
The Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival is unlike any festival I have ever attended. From buskers spreading across Peel Street, to the excellence of the Toyota Golden Guitars, country music in Tamworth is the heart and soul of the city, and it is truly evident how much it means to everyone. If you ever get the chance to attend this uniquely brilliant festival, do not hold back – it will be an experience you will never forget!