Other highlights include:
family, resilience. Fresh from his standout appearance on The Voice Australia, Chris brings heartfelt storytelling, powerful vocals and a genuine country sound to the Ekka stage. 2025 Toyota Star Maker Winner: Felicity Kircher WHEN: Sunday 16 August, 2.45pm to 3.30pm Felicity Kircher, winner of the 2025 Tamworth Toyota Star Maker, will bring her powerhouse vocals and contemporary country sound to Ekka. Known for her commanding vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and electric live performances, she blends contemporary country energy with authentic storytelling. With a growing national profile, Felicity is recognised as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging country talents. Tia Hannah WHEN: Saturday 15 August, 2.45pm to 3.30pm Tia Hannah is a 15-year-old country-folk artist from the Central Coast of NSW. With soulful fiddle, acoustic guitar playing and vocals, she creates a heartfelt and mature sound inspired by Alison Krauss, Sierra Ferrell and Missy Higgins. Tia is a 2025 Junior CMAA graduate who performs original songs and personalised covers. She has developed her craft through years of busking and festival appearances, including the Tamworth Country Music Festival, where she placed in the top 10 buskers’ competition in 2023 at just 12 years old. In 2025, Tia took home first place at the Ekka Country Music Showdown (Junior Category), NEW! NVR EVR - DJ Set WHEN: 8pm-9pm, Monday 10 to Wed 12 August and Friday 14 to Saturday 15 August Èva Ilov’s NVR EVR DJ set will bring a high-energy mix of pop, dance and rhythm to Ekka, drawing on her experience as an Australian Idol contestant, live performer and DJ. Designed for festival crowds, the set will add a fresh live entertainment element to the 2026 music program.
NEW! Bluegrass Barbie & the Ken Dolls
Tuesday 11 August from 4pm
Beth Lucas Award-winning artist Natasha Rose Band Reimagining pop Nana’s Pie Band Fresh Indie Sounds
Thursday 13 August from 11.45am
Thursday 14 August from 4pm
Saturday 15 August from 4pm
LOCATION: GREGORY TCE Music on the Move WHEN: 10am-5pm daily Music on the Move will return to Gregory Terrace, bringing rhythm, colour and energy to the Show every day. The program will feature 19 local school and community marching bands, alongside crowd favourite the Australian Army PEP Band. New to the lineup this year are Redcliffe State High School and the Bribie Island State High School Marching Drummers. Ekka’s Country Music Showdown WHEN: Saturday 15 August, 11.15am to 1.15pm (Junior) & 4pm to 6pm (Open) Location: XXXX Stockmen's Bar & Grill Ekka’s Country Music Showdown will return in 2026 for its biggest year yet. Now in its 12th year, the Ekka’s Country Music Showdown brings together Queensland’s best emerging talent in the
ultimate search for the next country music star. Musicians will compete in front of Ekka crowds and a panel of industry judges, performing two songs each for the chance to win career- boosting prizes worth close to $80,000. This year’s showdown features a stellar line-up of 22 entrants across both the Open and Junior categories. New judge Kate Hathaway, an American music industry professional, will bring international expertise to this year’s panel. The prize pool includes the
prestigious Troy Cassar- Daley Scholarship to the Academy of Country Music in Tamworth; paid gigs at Ekka 2027, Gympie Music Muster and Lefty’s Music
Hall in Brisbane; music and website production services; a professional photo shoot; musical gear; interviews and airplay on iHeartCountry Australia; and more.
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