Christian music fans from all over Australia are heading to the Australian Gospel Music Festival (better known as AGMF) to rock, connect, camp under the stars, party, worship, and experience Easter together.

The three-day music and community festival to be held in Toowoomba 6-8 April 2007 attracts more than 30 000 people annually.

With less than a month before show time, AGMF 07 has announced two popular additions - Aussie singer songwriter Michelle Tumes, and quirky Kiwi act The Lads. Both now reside in the USA.

Tumes’ music is often compared to Enya, Sarah McLaughlin, Bjork, and Sting.

Michelle got her first big break when Grammy nominated artist Jaci Velasquez recorded her song If This World in 1996. It became a number one hit on the US CCM charts.

Since then, she has recorded four solo albums including her recently released self-titled CD that features her new song Domine. This week it has become one of the most played songs on Australian Christian and independent radio. [www.therockacrossaustralia.com]

AGMF 07 is Michelle’s first visit to the festival, while The Lads are frequent visitors.

Best known for their energetic shows and irresistible songs If I Carry On This Way, Creator, Beetroot Stain, and Forever Smoochy Girl, the past two years in the US has seen the band adapt its approach to target tweens (8-12 year olds) with its new comic book project.

“Tweens are a major market for full-length comic books snapping up everything from superhero compilations and fantasy stories to adaptations of classics such as Moby Dick,” Mark says.

“We’ve written the first story, and we’re about to finish the second one,” says the man whose character reportedly looks like a superhero.

“I’m not going to divulge if he has any superpowers, but we’re having a whole lot of fun with this,” he quips.

And that’s exactly what AGMF is all about: fun, and celebrating Easter together.

Other headliners include Chicago based Superchic[k], sister act BarlowGirl, hard rockers Day Of Fire, Swedish metal gurus Blindside, soulful pop singer Jimmy Needham, leading Australian gospel rock band Planetshakers, and jazz virtuoso James Morrison.

This year, Toowoomba City Council has doubled the number of camping sites adjacent to the festival arenas, providing the quintessential festival camping experience for music fans.

AGMF CEO Isaac Moody says festival campers should purchase Queens Park camping ground tickets now to avoid disappointment.

“Motel accommodation is also available in Toowoomba at Easter. Again, book early,” he recommends.

AGMF started in 1999 as a joint venture between business, community, government, and Church groups to contribute significantly to the social, economic, and spiritual fabric of Toowoomba, and the Australian community.

“AGMF 07 is shaping up to be the “best festival yet!” Moody adds.