Tamworth Country Music Festival is not likely to proceed in January 2021 in a devastating loss for local musicians, businesses and music fans.
Bicentennial Park, Tamworth, a location usually brimming with music and laughter during the festival, was a sad and sober sight as Barry Harley, Festival Manager made the announcement foreshadowing a likely suspension of the iconic festival.
"A report will be going to Council for their meeting on Tuesday 8th September to recommend that we suspend the council-run operations of the festival," said Mr Harley.
"We believe there will not be enough reduction in current health restrictions going forward to run a festival," Mr Harley said.
Mr Harley was joined by Local Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, Chief Inspector Jeff Budd, Wests Entertainment CEO Rod Laing, Golden Guitar Producer Peter Ross and Craig power Manager of the Pub Group who echoed each other's statements of putting community health and safety first.
Months of consultation with stakeholders has been undertaken and attendees at today's announcement shared their sadness and disappointment in the decision to cancel the festival.
The internationally acclaimed event would usually bring more than just talented musicians to town often injecting close to $105 million into the local economy each year according to the Tamworth Business Chamber.
Stephanie Cameron, Tamworth Business Chamber Vice President said the loss of the Tamworth Country Music Festival is likely to have a catastrophic impact on the accommodation sector in our region.
"The Tamworth Business Chamber will host a crisis meeting for moteliers in the coming weeks," Ms Cameron said.