Country music royalty cross the Ditch for Gold Guitar Awards

Tamworth Country Music Princess Chey Conlon (left) and Tamworth Queen of Country Music, Alexandra Kellahan. Photo / Margaret Phillips

Coming from 20degC to -2degC has proved a chilling experience for the Tamworth Queen of Country Music and Princess of Country Music.

Queen of Country Music Alexandra Kellahan, who is a receptionist, and princess Chey Conlan, a retail manager and mother, took the sub- zero temperatures in their stride when they arrived in Gore for the round of MLT New Zealand Gold Guitar Award events earlier this week.

"It's definitely freeze ya bits off [weather] - but it's totally worth it,'' Miss Kellahan said.

She was referring to the name of the busking competition held in conjunction with the awards' schedule of events.

Miss Kellahan is also involved in judging the busking event, she said.

The pair visited the Gore Hospice shop and talked to volunteers on Thursday morning as they engaged in a round of events.

This is the first trip to New Zealand for both women.

They both grew up listening to country music, and regularly attend the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Miss Kellahan said she grew up listening to the Topp Twins.

"They are very funny ladies,'' she said.

The Tamworth festival was held in January, and its events attracted about 50,000 people per day.

There were more than 700 artists performing at 120 venues.

"So it's huge,'' Miss Kellahan said. "It's great for the economy.''

- Gore Ensign