Beloved Laurieton musician Emma Dykes set to rock at this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival.
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The festival started today (Friday, January 18).
It's the official jump-start of another jam-packed year for the singer songwriter who’s set to walk down the aisle with partner, Aaron Pisani in March.
Her other plans include touring Nashville in May and potentially releasing a new album with a more rock style in July or August.
Ms Dykes said she would be bringing some of the new country material and a new guitar to the festival, as well as taking part in a Dolly Parton tribute show.
"I've got a few new songs that I’ve written so I'll probably play a few of them from the next album I’m recording," she said.
"The Dolly (Parton) song will be something a little bit different because I don’t actually do any of hers at the moment, so it will be good to add a new one to the repertoire - she’s such an icon and everybody knows her songs so well.
“I’m a little bit nervous about it.
"Its a Dolly for Dolly, a fundraiser for the Dolly's Dream (to stop bullying), there will be quite a few of us singing I think.”
Ms Dykes will be busy jamming alongside drum box musician, Daniel Lowe as attendees check out the festival's 26 metre high ferris wheel, obstacle course and family play areas.
Or numerous buskers and street performers on Peel Street and free concerts in Toyota Park.
"Its always busy, and there’s a lot of people out there who aren’t that into country music but just enjoy the festival walking up the street with every venue having live music playing," she said.
"I’ve got something every day, except one day of the festival, maybe eight or nine hours worth... it keeps you busy finding one place to the next.
"Usually I end up exhausted, especially with the heat out there which takes a lot out of you but its nice and you can’t wait for the next year to come again."
Dykes returned home from an overseas tour of Germany last year, releasing a new single entitled ‘A Drink In My Hand’ and became engaged.
NSW Police have urged country-music fans to plan their trip ahead of time and travel safely on the roads as they conduct high-visibility policing operation from January 18 to 27.
Operation Commander, Superintendent Fred Trench said Oxley Police District and Western Region officers, assisted by specialist police will focus on road safety, anti-social behavior and alcohol-related violence.
“There will be additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers on our roads throughout the event, so we’re urging motorists to be mindful of the traffic on the roads, drive to the conditions and allow extra travel time," he said.
“Police patrolling roads in and around Tamworth will be targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile-phone use, and other dangerous driver behavior.
“Our officers are not out to spoil your fun, they are focused on making sure the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone involved."
Additionally Police and council rangers will be enforcing alcohol-free zones in the CBD, and a number of roads will be closed during the 10-day event.
“The message is simple – think before you drink, keep an eye on your mates, and enjoy the event responsibly,” Supt Trench said.
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