Col Finley has reached the pinnacle of his country music career in Tamworth.
The Australian country music veteran will be inducted into the prestigious Australian Country Music Hands of Fame on Saturday.
It forms part of the country’s largest music festival, the Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival, which kicked on Friday and runs for 10 days.
Thousands of ticketed and free shows are being held across the city. And more than 200 performers will busk along Tamworth’s iconic Peel Street.
Beccy Cole and Adam Harvey are part of a stellar line-up including Lee Kernaghan OAM, John Williamson, Troy Cassar-Daley, Graeme Connors, Amber Lawrence, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham. Other acts include: Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, Fanny Lumsden, Suzi Quatro, Shane Nicholson, Tania Kernaghan & Jason Owen, Travis Collins and Kasey Chambers.
For more information and tickets head to: tcmf.com.au/whatson
It’s been 33 years for Col Finley at Tamworth festival

After first busking at the festival in 1992, Col’s high-energy live shows quickly became one of the must-see shows.
His induction stands as a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. And his unwavering commitment to the art of country music.
Picture: Col Finley performed for many years in front of Lowes in Tamworth. Until one day, publican Fred Thompson offered him the opportunity to begin an epic career in country music. Busking on Peel Street remains an integral part of the journey for every future country music star.
Often referred to as Australia’s Garth Brooks, Col captivates audiences by dancing on bars and tables, making his performance a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Renowned for his distinctive voice, heartfelt lyrics, and compelling performances, he has been a pillar of inspiration in country music for decades.
Col’s journey is fuelled by perseverance and passion, and he has inspired countless fans and fellow musicians.
He was inspired to declare his own Hands of Fame destiny, after a transformative moment watching country music legend Slim Dusty become an inaugural inductee in 1997.
Col Finley will be inducted into the Australian Country Music Hands of Fame at 10 am on Saturday, January 25, at the Hands Of Fame Park, Cnr Bridge & Kable Ave, Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia.
A new family show and media business for Col Finley

Col announced he will take a break from the Tamworth Country Music Festival after 33 years.
He says he is leaving with “pride, honour, and respect” to focus on a new family video production, and his business Music 2 Media, with record producer Nyssa Ray (pictured).
He plans to launch “The Finleys: A Rocking Country Love Story” this year, a show which celebrates his family.
“I wanted to leave and say goodbye with no regrets or bitterness, which sadly has happened to a lot of my friends over the years,” Col Says.
“The year 2025 and beyond is going to be big for the Finley family, and with my passion for country music.
“This is not the end but the next chapter of our journey in music.”
Country Music Hands of Fame
The Country Music Hands of Fame was established in Tamworth, in 1977, as a tribute to people who had made a name for themselves in Australian country music.
The ceremony is a means of immortalising our best country music stars by having them imprint their hands in concrete.
Inductees are determined by the Hall of Fame on behalf of Tamworth Regional Council.
The Country Music Hands of Fame Cornerstone is a free experience accessible all year round at the corner of Kable Avenue and Brisbane Street, Tamworth.
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