For brothers Riley and Coen Dark and their best mates Cory and Tyron Buhagiar, it could be that an old biscuit tin, a tea pot mum no longer uses and a bit of used whipper snipper cord marks the first steps towards stardom.

The youngsters – the eldest of whom is just 8 – want the flashest gear and the best music lessons money can buy but like all responsible parents, their mothers told them to earn that privilege themselves.

So they are.

With their home-made biscuit tin guitar, a tea pot trumpet, washing tub base, and of course a stylish largerphone, the boys applied for a busking permit and hit the streets of Tamworth this week.

Calling themselves the Scrapyard Boys, they belted out tunes from their favourite artists, although Keith Urban and Lee Kernaghan might not have recognised their work.

Still, they couldn’t believe how much support they got and how quickly the dollars added up.

Their mums, Annaka Dark and Lynnelle Jessup, set up shop next to them selling handmade icy pole holders and face painting – which they both do as a small business from their homes in Moore and Werris Creek, near Tamworth.

“They’ve made a lot more than we have but I think that’s because everyone throws them a tip to take their photo. They’ve been photographed from people as far away as New Zealand and Tasmania,” Lynelle said.

“They’re having a great time – and getting very tired – and I’m sure they’ll be back next year with a bit more class to their music with some good instruments and lessons under their belt.”

2012 is the 40th anniversary of Tamworth’s famous Golden Guitar awards, to be held on Saturday, and the streets of the inland city have been packed this week.

More than 800 artists will perform over 80 venues, and 50,000 fans are expected to be there.