Tamworth Looking At Nashville Tie-Up

Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth, credits the growth of its key event – the 10-day Tamworth Country Music Festival – to attracting big-name international acts and widening its base.

Each year the festival generates an extra $50 million for the local economy. This January the festival attracted 50,000 people.

To that end, Tamworth Regional Council is sending three of its events staffers to Nashville June 2-11.

Its business and economic development director Paul Sullivan, Destination Tamworth business events manager Gavin Flanagan and festival coordinator Kate Baker will pick up tips on how to run the festival better and lure more U.S. acts.

They plan to meet with representatives for Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum, Faith Hill and Reba McEntire hoping one agrees to headline the 2013 event. Tamworth is a five-hour drive from Sydney.

Tamworth Mayor Col Murray said plans are for a second delegation to visit Nashville, possibly in September, to attend Americana Festival.

“The Nashville activities will inevitably be focused around the country music industry, which is such a strong part of our region,” he said.

In time, it is expected for Nashville and Tamworth to formalize their ties by becoming sister cities. In January, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean invited Murray to attend he CMA Music Festival.