The founders of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Radio Station 2TM, have unveiled a commemorative Golden Guitar Award statue in the courtyard of the 2TM studios, to celebrate the 50th year of the Festival.
2TM General Manager Nikki Kenwrick, was joined by former 2TM General Manager Max Ellis today who was part of the original team who launched the very first Festival back in 1972.
The statue stands just over 2 metres tall, and is hand constructed from Australian steel by Troy Kenwrick. The guitar sits on a timber base, hand finished by Joe Marshall.
Along with the unveiling of the Guitar, the 2TM courtyard now has a detailed history board which spans 7 metres in length. It includes the history of both 2TM and 92.9 Radio stations, along with historic photos, including a photo from the first AgQuip event, also founded by 2TM.
At 87 years of age, 2TM is one of Tamworth oldest Businesses, still successfully operating today. It seemed only fitting that we celebrate all aspects of what 2TM has brought to the community by commemorating it’s impact on Tamworth in a permanent way.
The courtyard is open for viewing Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm.
Further to the courtyard display, the station has also erected commemorative 50th TCMF signs at the exit driveway of the 2TM studios, featuring the original 2TM logo of the Bellringer. We hope that visitors and locals alike will enjoy getting a selfie with the signs to take home a piece of history when they visit.
Many thanks to Metalcorp Tamworth for supply of steel, and to Pilliga Timbers for the supply of timber base of the Golden Guitar Award statue.
Tamworth’s Original 1287 2TM.
Looking forward to seeing Tamworth’s new Golden Guitar at Radio Centre, Tamworth!
Home of Hoedown, the legendary programming decision by Max Ellis, so superbly executed by John Minson.
The Country Music radio program that was a foundation stone of the mighty Tamworth Country Music Festival and originally the Australasian Country Music Awards in Tamworth Town Hall, for which we celebrate 50 years of longevity and success this month.
When it comes to radio promotions anywhere in Australia this is the benchmark by which you begin to plan, achieve and deliver.
To Max Ellis for the initiatives and the Higginbotham family, former owners of of 2TM, BAL, NEN9-ECN8, for their faith and commitment – you have collectively left your mark on Tamworth, Australia and ultimately the world (think Starmaker winner Keith Urban!).
I am so fortunate for many of these preceding events – I was the five-year-old Newcastle schoolboy in the crowd at Tamworth Town Hall in January 1973 – my broadcasting career would ultimately include being a member of Nick Erby’s Hoedown Radio Network 2TM-4WK (1989-90) with Brian Howard, Bruce O’Hara, Garry Coxhead and Bob Lipman.
Kind regards,
Garry Blair
Thanks for sharing Garry. Wonderful memories.