COUNTRY music living legend, Roger Knox, inducted into the Tamworth Country Music Galaxy of Stars in 2022, returns to the country music capital in January on the back of his new album, Buluunarbi and the Old North Star, featuring new single, Black Tear Tracks.

Three years ago, Knox joined luminaries Slim Dusty, Troy Cassar-Daley, Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers and John Williamson on the Galaxy of Stars honour roll, launched in 2000.

Next month, Knox joins 11-time Golden Guitar winner Beccy Cole, nine-time Golden Guitar winner Adam Harvey, 2023 Roll of Renown inductee Colin Buchanan, Golden Guitar nominee Raechel Whitchurch, ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Brian Cadd, timeless star Suzi Quatro and A-listers Kasey Chambers, Fanny Lumsden, Travis Collins and Amber Lawrence at the Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival from January 17–26.

Knox is regarded Tamworth’s very own Aboriginal statesman and country music pioneer.

He is recognised and respected internationally and widely across Australia and embraces a treasured standing within Aboriginal communities as a humble entertainer with important stories to tell.

Knox’s 2025 album, Buluunarbi and The Old North Star, shares his life story as a proud Gomeroi man, with tracks about his early family life and mission experiences.

They reflect his journey as a performing artist, who emerged from an era where an Aboriginal entertainer was not the norm.

Moree’s very own Kyla-Belle, who performed her first solo performance at the age of 12 at the festival, returns in January as well.

Kyla-Belle and Roger Knox will both be at the Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival in January (Image Supplied).

Kyla-Belle recently released her first single, Scars, and has entered the Macca’s Golden Gig and will also perform her original work at the Aboriginal Cultural Showcase.

“I’m bringing Avenue 4 Troy – mum, dad, uncle Swanny and uncle Boy – out of retirement to help me for the night,” Kyla-Belle said.

The Tamworth Country Music Festival, a 10-day extravaganza featuring thousands of ticketed and free shows across the city, will see more than 200 performers busk along Tamworth’s iconic Peel Street.

The prestigious awards celebrate the best of country music and will be hosted by Max Jackson and James Johnston in 2025.

Festival manager, Barry Harley, says preparation for the festival is in full swing.

“The Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival features a dynamic line-up of artists, reflecting the high calibre and popularity of the festival,” Mr Harley said.

“For more than five decades Tamworth has welcomed some of the nation’s biggest country music stars and given emerging artists a platform to accelerate their music career.

“It is exciting to see so many new and returning artists eager to entertain in Tamworth.”

The festival starts with the opening concert in Toyota Park – the festival’s largest venue, which will see 10 epic nights of free entertainment, including Americana In the Park, Toyota Best of the Buskers and the Toyota Star Maker Top 10 Grand Final.

At the Toyota FanZone, patrons will see hundreds of artists perform for free in the main festival precinct.

“Having both emerging talent and iconic country music stars in the one place, offering a mix of free

and ticketed shows, is what makes our festival so unique and enjoyable,” Harley said.

The Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC) features the Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards, hosted by Max Jackson and James Johnston.

Troy Cassar-Daley, recipient of the most Golden Guitar awards, and Lee Kernaghan will return to TRECC on Thursday, January 23 and Aussie icon John Williamson will kick off his 80th birthday year with a special performance on Friday, January 24, also at TRECC.

Toyota Australia chief marketing officer, Vin Naidoo, is thrilled about the fantastic line-up for the 2025 festival, of which Toyota is the major sponsor for the 33rd year running.

“With such a huge range of talented artists, from rising stars to country music icons, it’s sure to be

another incredible January at the 2025 Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival,” Mr Naidoo said.

“Each year, the level of talent continues to impress, and we’re eagerly anticipating the unique performances that each artist will bring to the stage, as they showcase their talents to thousands of fans.

“We look forward to another hugely successful year,” Mr Naidoo said.