When it seemed like drought would derail the Tamworth's beloved country music festival, adding some extra stars to the line-up kept punters turning up in droves, says Troy Cassar-Daley.
The country star said he would never forget playing Paul Kelly's From Little Things Big Things Grow with the acclaimed singer-songwriter and Kev Carmody.
But Cassar-Daley said Kasey Chambers and special guests Cold Chisel also "dragged people out of the bush" for the opening day.
"It was like a rocket launch at the start of the festival," Cassar-Daley told AAP.
Along with the star-studded festival line-up, plenty of rain fell throughout the 10-day festival.
Tamworth received 11.2 mm of rain when the event kicked off on January 17 and there have been three days of more than 5mm since.
"Drought was at the forefront of everyone's mind," Cassar-Daley said.
"We didn't want to impinge on the town's supply, but this recent water will mean more employment for everyone, because things don't have to shut down.
"So we just have to keep praying for more rain and keep the festival where it is, because Tamworth is the heart of country music."
Cassar-Daley has won 37 Golden Guitars throughout his career, which leaves him tied with Lee Kernaghan in second place behind Slim Dusty.
And while the 50-year-old hasn't been nominated for an award at Saturday night's Golden Guitar ceremony, he said the festival finale was always a special occasion on the country music calendar.
"Tamworth has given me so much over many years," Cassar-Daley said.
"I've been coming here since I was 11 or 12 and the town itself really cradled me when I moved out here in my early 20s.
"The Golden Guitar awards are the springboard for each new year and I always feel privileged to be here."
Australian Associated Press
