Brothers Phil, Grant, Murray and Matt Bowden formed the band in 2010 and their natural passion for music as well as their adaptations of songs from popular artists like Don Williams, The Eagles, John Denver and John Williamson has seen the Bowden Brothers develop something of a cult following in their home town.

This is the fifth year the brothers have travelled to Tamworth for the festival but it is the first year they have spent the entire week there.

The brothers have spent most of the week playing on the popular ‘Boulevard of Dreams’ where performers busk for large crowds.

“We always have a good time in Tamworth and this year’s been no different,” Matt Bowden said.

“There’s a real festival atmosphere here and we’ve had a great response from the general public as well as made some handy dollars.”

The band has spent about three or four hours each day busking, joining dozens of other country artists from across Australia.

The brothers are booked to play two three-hour gigs at Tamworth’s Post Office Hotel this coming Saturday (from 2pm to 5pm) and Sunday (from 6pm to 9pm).

“They're great timeslots and it's a top place to play,” Matt said when the Advocate caught up with him on Thursday.

The brothers have also managed to secure a half-hour slot on one of the large stages erected on Tamworth’s Peel St.

“That’s where the bigger acts perform so it’s a good opportunity to put our name out there and get some good exposure,” Matt said.

While the brothers all have regular day jobs, they admit that if an opportunity presented itself in the form of an album or tour opportunity they would jump at the chance.

“It’s always a dream. Only a small percentage of musicians actually get to make a living out of doing something they love,” Matt said.

“For us it’s all about having fun. Really it’s just another excuse to get together, sing a few songs and have a couple of beers.”