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Boots, Beats, and a
Whole Lotta Howlin’:
A Look at
Howlin’ Country Festival 2025
15th February 2025
(Live Review)

Review by Sylwia Green

Photos by Shaquira Hobbs (@forbiddenfruitphotographyau)

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Tyler Childers / Photo – @forbiddenfruitphotographyau

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Howlin’ Country Festival turned Newcastle’s Foreshore Park into a haven for country music lovers who committed to the spirit of country, arriving in cowboy hats and boots in every colour imaginable.

The atmosphere was electric, with over 12,000 fans in attendance and the sun blazing down (reminding us all why sunscreen is a festival essential). Whether you came for the big-name acts or to discover new talent, one thing was clear—this festival wasn’t just about music; it was about good vibes and celebrating the spirit of country.

The sunny weather provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with boot-stomping rhythms and unforgettable performances, which I was thrilled to experience.

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Brad Cox / Photo – @forbiddenfruitphotographyau

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A Lineup That Brought the House Down

The festival delivered a diverse lineup of country music heavyweights and rising stars across two stages. The Main Stage hosted acts such as Newcastle’s own Austin Mackay, Sons of the East, Brad Cox, and the highly anticipated US star Tyler Childers. Meanwhile, the Frog Pond Stage—set up in an actual drained pond (talk about commitment)—featured performances from artists such as Hudson Rose, Sara Berki, Y.O.G.A, and Cheap Whiskey DJs.

Tyler Childers, the night’s biggest name, didn’t disappoint. Known for hits like In Your Love and Feathered Indians, he commanded the stage with raw emotion and stunning visuals, setting the perfect tone for an evening climax. The crowd’s anticipation wasn’t to be ignored—the chanting began ten minutes before he even stepped on stage.

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Tyler Childers / Photo – @forbiddenfruitphotographyau

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Across the festival, performances ranged from high-energy anthems to intimate, heartfelt moments that resonated with the audience. Some artists had hometown ties that made their sets even more special (like Austin Mackay). In contrast, others had the whole crowd swaying and singing their tunes for the entire set (Sons of the East could play in Newy every month). But one of the biggest crowd reactions belonged to Brad Cox, whose energetic set—particularly his Acres performance—had fans going wild, even inspiring some die-hard festival-goers to pull off shoeys in true Aussie fashion.

Because nothing says “I love country music” like drinking beer from your cowboy boot!

Howlin’ wasn’t all about big stars, though. Sara Berki’s set was a standout on the Frog Pond Stage. Her infectious energy, genuine aura (check out the interview; her stage persona isn’t an act), and crowd interactions proved that the love for country music extended to every stage.

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Tyler Childers / Photo – @forbiddenfruitphotographyau

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Behind the Scenes: Insights from the Artists

Before the festival kicked off for good, we sat down with a few lineup artists to get a deeper look at their journeys and thoughts on country music’s growing presence in Australia.

Sons of the East shared some fun life hacks with us (all food-related) and talked about their favourite local musicians who should be getting more recognition. They also revealed the genres they’d love to explore—let’s just say it’s a far cry from country.

Austin Mackay, on the other hand, spoke about his lifelong passion for music, the unwavering support of his family, and how special it was to perform in Newcastle on his dad’s birthday. To finish, he gave us his best ‘Yeeehaw!’ before leaving to enjoy the rest of the show off-stage.

We also asked the artists about their tips for upcoming musicians who wish to be where they are now. The message was consistent. It’s not all about social media—play live and connect with your fans face-to-face.

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Brad Cox / Photo – @forbiddenfruitphotographyau

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The Verdict: A Festival Worth Howlin’ About

Howlin’ Country was an undeniable success, bringing together thousands of fans, whether die-hard country lovers or curious newcomers. The music, the atmosphere, and the sense of community made it an event worth attending.Even as someone who isn’t a massive country fan, I left the festival with a newfound appreciation for the genre and a few new tracks added to my Spotify playlist.

If you’re looking for a festival that blends excellent music, a welcoming crowd, and an unbeatable setting, Howlin’ Country should be on your radar for the future. Just don’t forget to clean your boots… especially if you want to drink out of them!

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Brad Cox / Photo – @forbiddenfruitphotographyau

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Check out Shaquira Hobbs’ (@forbiddenfruitphotographyau) gallery of this event HERE

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Follow HOWLIN COUNTRY
Website – Instagram

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Press Release 14th January 2025 (below) HERE

HOWLIN COUNTRY
turns up the heat!

Set times, new artists,
and second stage revealed

Final release tickets
selling quickly

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AMNPLIFY – DB