The organisers of the Hats Off To Country, mid-year country music festival, will present the inaugural Tamworth Bush Ballad Awards, to celebrate traditional Australian country music.

Dianne Lindsay and Peter Simpson were appointed to run the event following the success of the annual Back To The Bush Spectacular which has been held in Toyota Park during the Tamworth Country Music Festival since January 2017.

In 2024, Hats Off To The Bush – a celebration of Bush Ballads and Verse – was held in the Tamworth Town Hall and featured popular bush balladeers and musicians.

One award was presented at this event to Tom Maxwell who was the recipient of the first Bush Balladeer of the Year award. Tom received the award in recognition of his contribution to the bush ballad genre, his songwriting and excellence in recording and performance, as well as for his commitment to the industry, and general respect and support to other artists.
 

Award Categories
In 2025, there will be seven categories:

• Male Balladeer of the Year
• Female Balladeer of the Year
• Songwriter Balladeer of the Year
• Instrumental Balladeer of the Year
• Australian Ballad of the Year
• Best New Talent Balladeer or Encouragement Award
• Recognition Award for Bush Balladeer of the Year