The chances of the 2021 Tamworth Country Music Festival going ahead is in serious jeopardy following recommendations to suspend next year's event.
Tamworth Regional Council has recommended Councillors suspend the festival due to ongoing pandemic restrictions, which they say "has not been considered lightly".
"Months of in-depth consultations have taken place with NSW Police, Hunter New England Health, Festival sponsors, and stakeholders to reach this point," a statement issued by Council this week reads.
"The health and safety of the community, the artists, and any visitors have been the main priority of Festival organisers throughout the scenario planning.
"Organisers believe it is unlikely that social distancing and border restrictions will be eased in time to allow the event to proceed in its usual fashion... organisers have also weighed the likely impact a suspension may have on local businesses and the community against the risk of introducing COVID-19 to the region in this recommendation."
If the recommendation is approved (to be decided next week), the coinciding Toyota Golden Guitar Awards will go ahead as a virtual event.
It is intended that the Tamworth Country Music Festival return in 2022.
