The Festival Australia family have been regulars at the Illawarra Folk festival for over 30 years. Always terrific value in a beautiful setting. Recommended.
The Illawarra Folk Festival, started in 1985, is held annually in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia. Originally launched in the village of Jamberoo, the festival later moved to Bulli in 2007. It is one of Australia’s largest folk festivals and is entirely volunteer-run by the Illawarra Folk Club Inc. The festival typically takes place in mid-January and spans over four days, featuring approximately 170 performers on 13 stages.
The festival’s mission is to celebrate and promote folk, world, roots, bluegrass, gypsy, and Celtic music, as well as poetry, comedy, and dance. The festival includes a Folk Music School, a street market and good food choices.
Artists from local, national, and international backgrounds have graced the festival stages. The 2023 lineup included international acts like Ajak Kwai (South Sudan), Curtis Eller (USA), Grace Petrie (UK), and the Ken Field’s Hoot Band (USA), as well as a host of national and local Australian artists.
Camping is available on-site for attendees. The Illawarra Folk Festival provides a vibrant celebration of folk culture, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Illawarra Escarpment and very close to brilliant beaches and surf. The cosmopolitan city of Wollongong is a short distance away as is the iconic Se Bridge at Coalcliff.
For more information about the Illawarra Folk Festival, including details about upcoming events, ticketing, and more, you can visit their official website at illawarrafolkfestival.com.au. They also have a Facebook page, which can be found at Illawarra Folk Festival Facebook.
