Festivals
Ridin’ Hearts Festival debuts in Sydney & Melbourne this November
Get ready to saddle up and experience the ride of a lifetime as Ridin’ Hearts Festival rolls into Sydney and Melbourne this November, bringing the vibrant spirit of country music to the city like never before. From the team that brings you CMC Rocks, the one-day festival promises an impressive line-up of country music stars, igniting the hearts of loyal country fans and those curious about the genre alike.
Set to take place as the weather heats up and summer creeps in, Ridin’ Hearts will serve up country charm in the city. On Saturday 4 November, the Sydney Showground will come alive with an undeniable energy that only country music can deliver. The festival will then head to Melbourne Showgrounds on Sunday 5 November.
In its inaugural year, Ridin’ Hearts General Admission Tickets will be available for $179, along with Jolene’s Diamond Ticket for $379. Jolene’s Diamond Ticket will offer patrons additional perks to enjoy the festival in style, including an exclusive bar and seating, complimentary welcome cocktail, souvenir laminate, phone charging facilities, premium toilets and powder stations to help keep the country glam on point – all in an extra special space filled with comfort, convenience and good vibes.
Heartbreakers and Frontier Members will be able to access tickets from 10am AEST on Monday 31 July, before they go on sale to the general public at 10am AEST on Wednesday 2 August.
Sign up to become a Heartbreaker here ridinhearts.com
Headlining the festival is US country star Bailey Zimmerman, who has captured the hearts of fans everywhere through his sharp songwriting and powerhouse performances. Returning less than a year after blowing audiences away on his Australian debut at CMC Rocks QLD in March and supporting Morgan Wallen on multiple sold out Sydney and Melbourne shows, Zimmerman is a history-making, platinum-certified phenomenon. The multi-platinum hit ‘Rock And A Hard Place’ from his debut album Religiously spent an epic six consecutive weeks atop Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart and became Zimmerman’s first Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 hit.
Sharing the stage with him is an impressive line-up of talented artists, including Danielle Bradbery, Sam Barber, Matt Schuster, Seaforth, Alana Springsteen, Sara Berki, Zac & George and Country DJ duo, VAVO.
Ridin’ Hearts Festival, a celebration that caters to both devoted country music enthusiasts and curious newcomers, showcases the undeniable allure of the genre’s diverse sound. In Australia, country music has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity, captivating a wide range of listeners. Recent statistics reveal Australia as the third biggest country music market in the world, with the genre attracting millions of new listeners daily.
“This festival is a first of its kind, a unique opportunity to witness the domination of country music in Australia. We’re thrilled to bring together a mix of established country artists and emerging talents, creating an unforgettable day of music, fun and authentic country experiences.”
Chugg Entertainment Chairman, Michael Chugg
Beyond the incredible music, Ridin’ Hearts Festival offers a range of attractions and activities to keep festivalgoers entertained throughout the day. From experiential bars and market stalls to mouth-watering food to satisfy every craving, there’s something special in all corners of the festival.
Grab your boots and dust off your hat, Ridin’ Hearts is ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss your chance to experience Australia’s favourite new country music festival this November!
The Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards lit up Tamworth last night, celebrating the very best in Australian country music. With 17 categories recognizing work from October 2023 to September 2024, the evening was filled with historic wins and unforgettable performances.
Troy Cassar-Daley dominated the night, taking home five awards, including Male Artist of the Year, Toyota Album of the Year, and Song of the Year for “Some Days.” His total tally of Golden Guitars now stands at an incredible 45, cementing his place as Australia’s most decorated country artist.
Global country superstar Keith Urban added a new accolade to his collection with the prestigious Roll of Renown induction and Top Selling Australian Country Album for HIGH. Reflecting on his journey from Peel Street to global stardom, Urban described the honour as a dream come true.
Max Jackson, last year’s New Talent of the Year, added two more awards to her name, including Female Artist of the Year, while delivering a stunning performance of her winning single, “A Little More Country.”
Local favourite Ashleigh Dallas celebrated another win with Setting Suns crowned Traditional Country Album of the Year, and Casey Barnes’ upbeat album Mayday secured Contemporary Country Album of the Year.
Collaborations shone brightly as The Wolfe Brothers and Kaylee Bell’s “Beer in a Bar” earned Vocal Collaboration of the Year. Meanwhile, bluegrass queen Kristy Cox picked up her seventh Golden Guitar for Let It Burn.
Emerging talent also took centre stage. Lane Pittman, currently on tour with Luke Combs, was named New Talent of the Year, marking an exciting chapter for the former Tamworth local.
The night reflected the heart and talent of country music in Australia, wrapping up one of the busiest and most vibrant festival’s in recent memory.
Rising country music star Felicity Kircher has been named the 45th Toyota Star Maker, following an electrifying Grand Final at the 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival. Representing Tingalpa, Queensland, Kircher captivated the audience with heartfelt performances of her original songs Dear Rose and Ultimatum, securing her place as one of Australia’s most promising emerging artists.
Kircher, a seasoned performer and multi-instrumentalist, has spent over a decade honing her craft on stages across Australia. From touring with Kasey Chambers to standout appearances at festivals like Gympie Muster and Savannah in the Round, she has solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in contemporary country music. Her recent single, I Am Cry, has been making waves on radio and streaming platforms, further showcasing her versatility and talent.
The competition, held at Toyota Park, featured 10 finalists backed by the renowned Sam Hawksley Allstar Band. Each delivered two songs, but it was Kircher’s unique voice, stage presence, and artistic depth that won over the judges.
Star Maker Coordinator Cheryl Brown praised Kircher’s readiness to embrace the next phase of her career: “Felicity is an inspiring artist who continues to test musical boundaries. We are excited to see her flourish with the support of the Star Maker program.”
As the Toyota Star Maker winner, Kircher receives a prize package worth over $100,000, including 12 months’ use of a Toyota vehicle, fuel cards, and recording opportunities. The Star Maker program has a legacy of propelling its winners into the spotlight, and Kircher’s victory promises an exciting future for the young artist.
Congratulations to Felicity Kircher on this remarkable achievement!
Australian country music sensation Keith Urban has clinched the prestigious Golden Guitar Award for Top Selling Australian Country Album of the Year with his latest album, High. Released on September 20, 2024, the album has captivated fans across Australia and beyond, solidifying Urban’s legacy as a powerhouse in country music.
High, Urban’s 11th studio album, features 11 tracks, including chart-topping hits like “Messed Up As Me” and “Chuck Taylors,” as well as a memorable duet with Lainey Wilson on “Go Home W U.” The album has enjoyed 16 weeks in the ARIA Top 20 Australian Country Albums chart, holding the coveted #1 spot as of January 13, 2025.
Announced ahead of the Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards, the recognition is based on ARIA chart data and award eligibility criteria, honoring High as the top-selling Australian country album for the calendar year 2024.
The other standout albums rounding out the top five include Troy Cassar-Daley’s Between The Fires, Kasey Chambers’ Backbone, Casey Barnes’ Mayday, and Lily Grace’s Old Enough to Know Better.
Peter Ross, Executive Producer of the Toyota Golden Guitar Awards, praised Urban’s accomplishment: “High is an incredibly versatile album showcasing Keith Urban’s exceptional talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician.”
The 53rd Golden Guitar Awards will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the largest country music event in the Southern Hemisphere. Fans can join the celebration live at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre or via the festival’s online livestream.
Stay updated on the festival and awards via www.tcmf.com.au and official social media channels.
Golden Night in Tamworth: Winners Announced for 53rd Golden Guitar Awards
Felicity Kircher Crowned Toyota Star Maker 2025
