Attending his first Tamworth festival in 1992, Chalkie used to play up to five shows a day in the pubs around the city. This will be his 15th festival and he has got a busy schedule to showcase new songs as part of his festival campaign.

“The Tamworth Country Music Festival TCMF is my favourite working holiday, the gigs are always rewarding and I love to catch up with the many artists and musicians every year and the atmosphere all over town whether I’m singing or just in the audience somewhere,” he said.

“At TCMF 2018, after releasing my debut single in September and the pending release of my next single in February, things have gotten pretty busy. I’m looking forward to playing my new music and entertaining the festival goers once again.”

Chalkie’s debut single, New Day, reached No. 4 on the iTunes Country Song Chart on release, inspired by his lymphoma treatment in 2017.

“My cancer journey triggered the song, and the video is all about what is important in my life - it’s not about money or material things, it’s about family and friends and never taking anything for granted," he said.

The diagnosis meant Chalkie was faced with his own mortality, fuelling him to chase his musical dreams even harder. The year ahead is going to be the most exciting for the country artist with two more single releases, an album release, festival announcements and a full calendar.

“This year is looking busy and exciting,” Chalkie said.

“I am really looking forward to putting my music out there and taking it on the road. I haven’t stopped playing live music in 27 years and it has never been as exciting as what is in store for 2018.”

Tamworth Country Music Festival shows: