By Melissa Coleman
Music fans will be treated to one of the best line-ups of country music artists in Texas this year.
The Western Downs Country Music Festival held at Texas Showgrounds is a celebration of resilience, strength and community spirit.
Headliners the calibre of The Wolfe Brothers, Andrew Swift, Natalie Pearson, Josh Setterfield and local legend Will Day will be performing their most popular songs.
Singer-songwriter, Will Day is a proud Goondiwindi boy.
“I cannot wait to play this amazing festival so close to my hometown. It’s an amazing line-up which I’m very proud to be a part of,” he said.
Tom Wolfe from the country music duo, Wolfe Brothers said they are beyond excited to be heading to Texas.
“People are travelling from all over the country to party! We can’t wait to bring our show to Texas.
“This festival is going to be a special one,” he said.
Texas Country Music Festival Organiser, Roslyn Sinclair would agree after the past two years dealt massive blows to the hearts and pockets of the event organisers.
The Texas Country Music Festival 2020 was to be the first of its kind held in Texas.
Previously known as the Texas Country Music Round-Up, an event attended by grey nomads, balladeers and bush poets, 2020 was all about modernising the event and encouraging all ages to attend however due to Covid-19 the event was cancelled.
In 2021 with the borders open again event organisation was full steam ahead.
“Tickets were selling fast however with less than three months until the event, the borders closed once again,” Ms Sinclair said.
“Children could not cross the Dumaresq River to attend school; their parents couldn’t come to work; and many people were unable to continue with medical treatment in Texas.”
With no major city within 100km on the New South Wales side, interstate community members were left feeling excluded.
“These same community members, who have grown up in Texas, have jobs here and volunteer many hours each year, were being left out,” Ms Sinclair said.
“They missed funerals, weddings and family events.
“Our major event was cancelled. It was unfortunate, however, with ticket holders and artists hailing from New South Wales, it did not seem economical or even fair to forge ahead.
“The decision was made to cancel,“ she said.
Despite this, the event will take place this year and is packed with great country music and genuine support from the artists attending.
The organisers plan to bring two days of Australia’s best live music.
“We’re really excited about bringing New South Wales and Queensland back together again, a reuniting after so long apart,” Ms Sinclair said.
Even the kids have not been left out.
Local sponsor Wrigglers and Gigglers Child Care Centre will be providing fun times for the kids with a jumping castle and Friday kids.
The Western Downs Country Music Festival offers onsite camping for $5 per night.
Tickets are available via queenslandtickets.com.au and book your camping while online.
