The community are encouraged cancel plans for the first weekend of September and make time for the return of the Tamworth Show.

This year’s event will be back bigger than ever after the pandemic forced the Tamworth Pastoral and Agricultural Committee to make the heart-breaking decision to cancel the 2020 and 2021 shows.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said he was excited for the return of the much-loved annual event and thrilled that the NSW Government was able to provide support with $42,004.16 from the Country Shows Support Package.

“The cancellation of the Tamworth Show over the past couple of years has left a gaping hole in the social calendar of our community and I know we are all looking forward to the sights and sounds of our region’s largest agricultural show,” Mr Anderson said.

“This year, we’re gearing up for a weekend of great entertainment, traditional competition and fun for the whole family so I would encourage communities across the region to plan a weekend in Tamworth to support our great show.”

Tamworth Pastoral and Agricultural Committee Secretary Janelle Tongue said the committee were anticipating a big return for the Tamworth Show.

“The committee are really looking forward to having a show after two years of cancellations. So far, we’ve had a really good response with people entering competitions and people looking forward to attending,” Mrs Tongue said.

“We are grateful to the NSW Government for providing this opportunity to apply for government funding, which will be going towards supporting local businesses through the hiring of tables, chairs and generators, buying ribbons, printing the schedule, and staging for the rodeo.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $5 million Country Shows Support Package provides a funding opportunity for the 190 agricultural shows that are planned across NSW in 2022.

“It’s been a tough few years for country shows, with drought, bushfires, storms, floods and COVID-19 disrupting plans, but as they say, the show must go on and these grants are helping make that happen,” Mr Toole said.

“Country shows are the heartbeat of so many rural communities – they not only celebrate the best of the best in the community but allow visitors to experience the tastes, sights and sounds of the bush.

“These grants will provide certainty to show organisers that they can lock in suppliers, hire equipment, and purchase goods, which is also great news for local businesses.

“It’s also a big win for competitors who have spent years perfecting events like wood-chopping, show jumping or baking, as they can now focus on earning the points needed to compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.”