"Yee-hah" a Tamworth Travel Page by iandsmith

Well, let's be honest. Think Tamworth, think country music. If you don't live in the vicinity and haven't got relatives there well, that's all you are likely to know about Tamworth.
What it is is a rural town that has survived the rural downturn and generally has an air of prosperity about it, helped in no small measure by the country music festival that takes place on the week running into the 26th January. The only problem is that it's either too hot or the place is flooded when the festival is on. There seems to be no in between. Fortunately the latter doesn't happen too often though the former can be uncomfortable. Inside some of the venues there is no air conditioning and, even where there is it is stretched beyond its limit more often than not.
The talent on show varies from world class to "why-on-earth-would-you-bother?" though it is fair to suggest that the large majority of acts are well worth watching.
From the street buskers to the crowded Entertainment Centre where the Golden Guitar awards are handed out, there's something that everyone can afford.
2004 saw the passing of Australia's greatest (no-one else comes remotely close) country music legend Slim Dusty. Here was a man who never lost his values, never got above his station in life, eschewed all that country music stands for. I have never heard anyone say anything bad about this man. May you rest in peace Slim.
I only have a couple of shots of the festival as I tend to watch but you'll get some idea.
This is a shot of some mosaics at the main intersection in Peel Street.

Tamworth has some lovely parks. Not dramatically spectacular, just very human in scale and nice to be in. My favourite is Anzac Park on the hill on the north of Tamworth which also happens to be the area where much of the lovely architecture is as well.
This is a great area to spend some time walking around. Decidedly pleasant if I may say so.