New Australian of the Year Lee Kernaghan will be the star attraction at tonight's Country Music Awards in Tamworth.

It is the busiest weekend of the Country Music Festival, with thousands of people expected to line the main street of Tamworth this morning for the Annual Cavalcade and line-dancing world record.

Kernaghan will lead the parade and he is also nominated for six Golden Guitars at the industry's biggest awards night.

"I love country music. It is my passion and I guess for the future I just hope I can keep singing my songs," he said.

Beccy Cole is nominated for female artist of the year and best album.

"I just didn't expect a live album to achieve that result, but for me it is an absolute honour," she said.

Kirsty Lee Akers is up for best female artist and best new talent.

"At only 19, it's just crazy to think I'm up against some of my idols that i grew up listening to," she said.

The winners will be announced tonight.