The 2022 Tamworth Country Music Festival has been postponed following changes to COVID-19 safety measures in NSW.

A meeting was held on Friday to determine the fate of this year’s event.

Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson, Tamworth Regional Council’s newly-elected mayor Russell Webb and deputy mayor Mark Rodda, festival venue managers, and key stakeholders, jointly announced that the 2022 Toyota Country Music Festival and Toyota Golden Guitar Awards has been postponed.

Toyota Country Music Festival manager Barry Harley said the decision to postpone the festival, just a week out from the event, was a difficult, yet necessary, decision to make.

“Given the current state of COVID transmission in our communities, and the impact the changed COVID safety measures have on our venues, it is the best decision for the health and safety of everyone involved particularly the Tamworth and country music community,” he said.

Mr Harley said that organisers are now planning to hold the 50th anniversary event in April this year, with many of the same features, including the Toyota Golden Guitar Awards held over a shorter period.

“We will continue to work diligently with government authorities, festival stakeholders, and the country music industry as we prepare to welcome artists, fans, employees, vendors, and sponsorship partners back to Tamworth in April this year,” he said.

This is the second year the festival has been impacted by COVID-19.

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