Up and comers of Australia's country music scene will be centre stage at the 50th Toyota Country Music Festival (TCMF) in January 2022.

The Golden Gig is a new talent quest for youngsters, giving those 17 years and under a chance to perform and shine at TCMF.

To celebrate the new partnership with McDonald's Australia and the launch of the Golden Gig, sponsored By Macca's, TCMF is hitting the road for a regional tour of giveaways and prizes.

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Local youth will have a chance to perform and shine, providing the opportunity for emerging country music artists to display their talent and kick start their musical journey in Tamworth.

TCMF manager, Barry Harley, said this new talent quest was all about fostering young talent in the industry and encouraging them to develop their skills and interest.

"A love of music and singing often starts young. We have plenty of talented youngsters around and we want to provide a platform to launch their country music career," he said.

A dedicated Macca's stage will be set up in the 'family zone' on Kable Avenue, with the Golden Gig grand final set to be held on Saturday, January 23 at 11am.

There will be two categories of competition. One will be dedicated to artists 12 years and under, while the other will be for 13 to 17-year-olds.

There will also be thousands of dollars' worth of prizes up for grabs, with the winners of each age category walking away with tools to help them further develop their musical skills.

"There are some phenomenal prizes up for grabs, with the winner of the 13 to 17 age group scoring a spot at the Country Music Association of Australia's Junior Academy, which is valued at $3000," Mr Harley said.

"Plus, the winners of each category will have the choice of taking home an electric-acoustic guitar, a digital piano, an interface or set of electronic drums, thanks to Yamaha."

Entries are now open for the Golden Gig, and those wishing to take part can enter by visiting the TCMF website.

Auditions will take place at McDonald's stores across the district including Armidale on Wednesday, December 15 from 12 until 1pm, and on Friday 17th at McDonald's Glen Innes between 10.30 and 11.30am, and Inverell from 1-2pm.

In addition to the Golden Gig, McDonald's will also showcase local farmers who supply to Macca's, as well as local franchisees.

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