A high-visibility police operation is underway to ensure community safety is the number one priority as country-music fans and spectators alike gather for this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Operation Tamworth Country Music Festival 2026 is in place for the duration of the iconic event, which kicks off today (Friday 16 January 2026) and runs until Sunday 25 January 2026.
Tamworth Country Music Festival is Australia's largest music festival, with a program featuring 700 ticketed and free shows being staged across 10 days.
General duties officers from Oxley Police District and across Western Region will be assisted by specialist officers from Major Events Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Operations Support Group, Bike Unit, Dog Unit, Licensing police (ALEC), Police Transport Command, and Youth Command.
Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland APM, said attendees will see police out in force with a firm focus on road safety, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence.
"This is a major festival attracting huge crowd numbers each year, so expect to see officers out and about throughout the city for the duration of the 10-day event," Assistant Commissioner Holland said.
"We want to see people enjoying themselves safely, so we will act swiftly if you're part of the minority found to be doing the wrong thing and putting others at risk."
Police will be cracking down on any form of dangerous or criminal behaviour during the operation, including enforcing alcohol-free zones in the CBD, Assistant Commissioner Holland explained.
"Attendees are reminded that there will be a number of alcohol-free zones throughout the Tamworth CBD for the safety and security of all festivalgoers and the wider community.
"We urge people to use the Festival Express bus service where possible to get around Tamworth, particularly if you're planning to consume alcohol," he said.
Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed to ensure country-music fans and other road users make it to and from their destinations safely.
Police offer the following safety and security tips for campers:
- Plan your trip in advance and if possible, make a booking;
- Get to know your surrounding campers;
- In large crowds, be mindful of your own safety and security as well as that of people around you;
- Leave valuables at home – if you must take valuables with you, ensure they are secured and kept out of sight;
- Lock your caravan or campervan when unattended;
- Where possible, use a lock to secure your tent;
- Where possible, use a portable alarm in your tent or camper;
- Plan for changes in weather conditions;
- Ensure valuables are not left in unattended vehicles;
- Report any suspicious behaviour to police.
For comprehensive event details, visit the official festival website: www.tcmf.com.au
Special-event traffic information can be found at: www.livetraffic.com
