Tamworth Regional Council announced the telco, which has been the naming rights sponsor of the event since 2003, will now act as the official presenting partner until 2009.

Telstra Country Wide group managing director Geoff Booth said as a presenting partner, the telco would continue to play a large role in the event - the largest country music festival in the southern hemisphere.

"The festival is an iconic event on the Australian calendar and we see many synergies between the festival and Telstra Country Wide," Mr Booth said.

Tamworth Mayor James Treloar welcomed Telstra's sponsorship.

"Telstra has been integral to the festival's success since 2003 and they will continue to play a key role in the future," he said.

Next year's festival, to be known as the Tamworth Country Music Festival presented by Telstra, will be held from January 19 to 28.

©AAP 2006

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