Tamworth Regional Councillors will seriously consider whether to cancel the 2021 Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Council staff have recommended all council-managed events for the the 49th festival, set down for January 2021, be suspended, effectively cancelling the event.
The reason behind the recommendation is the coronavirus pandemic, with organisers saying they believe it is unlikely social distancing and border restrictions will be eased in time to allow the event to proceed in its usual fashion.
The decision was not taken lightly by festival organiser Barry Harley.
"I bring myself back to reality by saying, 'they cancelled the Olympics'," he said.
"And if they can cancel the Olympics, we can suspend the council for one year and come back stronger.
The festival is worth an estimated $50 million to the local economy and attracts around 40,000 visitors a year.
'Really missing out'
Cancellation is the right health and safety choice, according to Craig Power, from Tamworth's Pub Group.
"But we've also got to think about the mental health of entertainers," he said.
"They're the ones who are really missing out at this time."
Many involved in the decision-making process have described it as heartbreaking, but a decision had to be made before planning went any further.
"Normally a month ago we would have started several hundred thousand dollars worth of marketing, tickets would have gone on sale," Mr Harley said.
"We've held that off for a little while but the decision has to be made now despite the fact there's four and half months to go."
Looking ahead
The 2021 Golden Guitar Awards will go ahead, but using an online format.
Entertainment Venues Manager, Peter Ross, wants Tamworth to feature heavily in awards.
"To get Tamworth out there and to reassure the country music fans of Australia that Tamworth will be back and the awards will be back for the 50th year," he said.
The focus will now turn to the 2022 event, which will be an anniversary celebration.
"The 50th anniversary's an opportunity not only to reinstate the festival as we've known it, but to actually provide an even bigger celebration," Mr Harley said.
The final decision on the 2021 festival will be made at the next Tamworth Regional Council meeting on Tuesday September 8.
