Harness Racing NSW agrees to changes to Tamworth Carnival of Cups
Harness Racing NSW has agreed to release rising country music star Lane Pittman from his contract to perform at the Carnival of Cups in Tamworth following an irresistible offer that has arisen for the local teenager.
One of the biggest artists in the world Luke Combs is touring Australia and New Zealand early next year and has asked Lane to play support.
However, the dates clashed with Lane’s commitments to play the Carnival of Cups in Tamworth so his management reached out to Harness Racing New South Wales to discuss their options.
Harness Racing New South Wales subsequently has agreed to release Lane from his contractual obligations.
“What a great opportunity for Lane and there is no way we would stand in his way. It’s not every day someone like Luke Combs asks you to go on the road for what promises to be one of the biggest tours Australia has ever seen,” HRNSW Marketing Manager Paul Cochrane said.
“While it is disappointing to be losing Lane from our Carnival of Cups line-up there is comfort in knowing that hundreds of thousands of fans will get to appreciate his talents across Australia and New Zealand early next year.”
“He’s a Tamworth local so he’ll be with us in spirit as we peel back the curtain on the opening night of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. We consider Lane part of the Carnival of Cups family and we hope that we get to work with him at one of our upcoming events across the state.”
The Carnival of Cups will officially open the 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival on 17 January, headlined by Daryl Braithwaite and supported by The Voice Australia star Tori Darke and sibling trio The Buckleys. Local favourite Kyle Cartner will also be performing on the Carnival of Cups stage.
The good news for patrons is HRNSW has already signed one of the biggest names in country music to replace Lane on the program.
“We can’t announce it just yet but I have no doubt people will be delighted with this artist. We’ll be revealing exactly who that is in the coming weeks so stay tuned,” Mr Cochrane said.
The news is bittersweet for Lane who was looking forward to getting on the Carnival of Cups stage in front of his hometown fans, with more than 5000 expected to be in attendance.
“I’m obviously disappointed not being able to perform having already agreed to play Carnival of Cups but I am grateful that Harness Racing New South Wales has allowed me to go and do this tour with Luke Combs,” Lane said.
“Here is to hoping we can play an event later next year to make up for it!”
Tickets for the Carnival of Cups in Tamworth are available now. It is FREE to attend but you will need to register for a ticket. To secure your ticket now CLICK HERE