HE MAY have been hit by funding woes, but Gavin "Butto" Butlin is still determined to make this year's Airlie Beach Festival of Music the biggest and best yet.

To do this he's sourced a combination of festival favourites and crowd pullers, with big names Tim Finn (Crowded House), and Richie Ramone set to take the stage.

"We have such a broad range of music, so there is something for everyone," Mr Butlin said.

"And we also have some great local bands like Mason Rack Band, Kieren McCarthy and the Hillbilly Goats.

"These are the people the locals want to see every year."

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Country singer / songwriter Bill Chambers, who has just been announced as this year's festival ambassador, said he was very much looking forward to the event and the community atmosphere it had. 

"I'm very passionate about it, I think it's a great tourist attraction for the town and I can't say enough good things about the festival, the town and the people," he said.

"I have performed there twice and love the eclectic blend of all different music they have."

Mr Chambers remembers the first time he came to Airlie Beach, back in the late 1970's

"My daughter Kasey and I drove into Airlie Beach on a holiday with no idea what it was," he said.

"We saw a sign on the side of the highway and thought we would go in a have a look.

"When we drove into the town and saw the islands, the colour of the ocean, (and felt) the vibe of the town, I thought this has got to be one of the pretty places on the planet.

"(And) that impression has stayed with me all my life."

It's an impression Chambers feels has also reflected onto the music festival.

"When I did the first Airlie festival a few years back I noticed there were lots of little cafes (playing) different music and it was something I would fit into very well," he said.

"I'm a singer/songwriter so I like perform my songs where people can listen and you can do that at Airlie.

"That sense of community among the musicians is a beautiful thing and that atmosphere is felt throughout the festival."

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music runs from November 3-6. For more information or to book, visit www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au.