New Zealand Country Music Festival trustee Roger Bowie of Auckland and Bayleys Tussock Country event co-ordinator Annabel Roy prepared the Gore Town and Country Club for the festival in 2023. PHOTO: SANDY EGGLESTON
The festival, held from May 3 to the start of June next year, will feature acts like the Harmonic Resonators, Jenny Mitchell and the NZ Highwaymen.
The Golden Guitar awards will also celebrate its 50th anniversary, with many past winners coming back to play in a special show.
Tussock Festival Board member Julie Mitchell said the festival was expected to be a big one.
"There's a lot of really exciting things happening [next] year," she said.
Mrs Mitchell said the 50th anniversary of the Golden Guitar Awards was a must-watch, must-listen event.
The MLT Songwriting Awards will start the festival, and the festival will be a musician's paradise, Mrs Mitchell said.
"That first weekend, they're going to own it.
"They have their honours show, a songwriters' retreat, and many other shows around town with songwriters," she said.
Mrs Mitchell said no matter how early in the morning, you could get your country music fix.
"We've got cafes with music at breakfast time. Roll out of bed, have some breakfast, enjoy some country."
For those looking to enjoy the Gore District as well, there are food and whisky pairings at the Hokonui Museum and the Mai Mai Tour.
Mrs Mitchell said the country festival was getting great momentum and was fantastic for Gore.
"I think people are really starting to see the economic impact, and just how good it is for the area," she said.
Mrs Mitchell said the festival had some incredible acts, and many more artists and acts were continuing to sign up.
"There's going to be quite a few sold-out shows, some really incredible ones, with many artists interested and filling out applications," she said.
Mrs Mitchell said she was happy with how the festival was evolving.
"It's tracking exactly how we expected it to track," Mrs Mitchell said.
"From the small beginnings, which were alarmingly busy.
"If we continue to grow like this, I kind of can't wait for next year."
