A high-visibility police operation targeting road safety, anti-social behaviour, and alcohol-related violence will be in place for the duration of the 46th annual Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The festival is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, with more than 50,000 visitors expected for a program featuring 700 performers and 2800 shows over 120 venues.
Police are urging motorists to allow extra travel time, with a number of roads closed during the 10-day event, while speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile-phone use, and other dangerous driver behaviour will also targeted by police.
A 1am lockout for all licensed venues, a ban on spirit shots, and restrictions on energy-drink mixers and high-alcohol pre-mixed drinks will also be in place.
