For the first time since it was created the festival will begin on a Monday in a bid to attract musicians and fans as they travel to the Tamworth Music Festival from the Elvis Festival in Parkes.

Organiser Danielle Anderson said its success will play a significant role in taking the event to the next level in 2019.

“We are encouraging all locals to get behind the event,” Danielle said.

“Their attendance at one or all of the events will support the festival into the longer term because we need as many bums on seats this year to increase our capacity for funding.

"We’ve been very fortunate to have local businesses support us for the last three years, however to support building the event from here on into a large attraction for the region we’ll be seeking a large amount of funding and that will be achieved by local support.”

Danielle’s driving force is supported by local performer, Terry Leonard, who will perform a solo show through the week. His show comes on the back of a huge New Year’s Eve in Wagga, and will include a variety of music from rock and roll, country rock and more. 

“Danielle does a marvelous job, and next year she’s looking to bigger and better things,” Terry said.

“It’s important [for the festival to be a success] because we’re struggling, we need something to drive our economy along and money to be invested into the town.

“It’s positive for Wellington, so if we can get a few people here and get them interested they’ll see that it’s a beautiful town.” 

A range of local performers will feature in the festival, and visiting musicians such as Rocking Rick Charles of Victoria on Monday night, January 15 who will kick the week off with a Rock and Roll Dance Party at the Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club. Megan Sidwell of Sydney will be performing country music at the club on the Wednesday from 5-7pm. 

Hermitage Hill will host several events, including a Country and Blues evening on January 17, 7pm-10pm; and a high tea with classical music from 12pm-4pm on January 20. Bookings are required for both.

As in previous years the Picnic in the Park on January 21 is the focal point of the festival, starting at 5pm with the Wellington Tin Roof Big Band. An array of the week’s artists will perform in Cameron Park, with residents encouraged to bring a picnic, rug and chairs and enjoy the free event.

“It’s become a really lovely evening, it’s so beautiful down there on the Sunday night, I can’t express how lovely it is to be sitting in the park listening to music all night,” Danielle said.