One of the many spin-offs from the Tamworth Country Music Festival is the opportunity to raise money for important local and regional causes.
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The city is swollen with an estimated 50,000 extra visitors – all in a party mood and enjoying the laid back country feel of this unique festival.
One of the lovely things about TCMF is that there are so many free events. Families and older visitors can come along to the festival knowing it’s not going to break the bank to have a fantastic experience.
So when the charity buckets and hats get handed around at concerts and events in the pubs, the parks and the streets, people are understandably willing to dig deep.
Along with charities such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service a variety of rural causes have benefitted from the festival.
A major auction of a signed Maton guitar, and framed CD and photos of Alan Jackson and Taylor Swift have already raised thousands for Ronald McDonald House.
The signed guitar was the highest selling item (fetching 6,000) and was bought by a local bidder.
Visiting artists have also put their star power behind the Country Turns Pink concert in aid of the McGrath Foundation and its quest to raise money for breast care nurses.
This cause is particularly important for patients from the bush who can often find themselves suffering in isolation.
Seasoned performers including Chad Morgan joined stars Catherine Britt and Pixie Jenkins to name a few who donated their voices and talents to the Country Music Cares Concert to support the Lock the Gate Alliance.
The Mayor’s annual Musicians Versus the Mayor Charity Bowls day was also well supported, while the Queens of Country Music entrants rolled up their sleeves to remind everyone to donate blood during the festival.
A benefit concert and a celebrity workout for sick little local girl Chloe Chappel, who is battling leukaemia, was also held during the festival.
On Wednesday, a line dancing demonstration by staff from the Northern Daily Leader and other local businesses raised money for the Westpac Rescue helicopter.
This is just a sample of the generous acts that go hand in hand with the festival every year, to support the causes closest to our hearts.