Freddie Fallows, 6, of Bulli - obviously a fan of '80s punk rock - wasn't that interested in what Stuart Leslie from Nowra-based band The Puddin' Eaters' had to play. Pictures: GREG TOTMAN

Stepahnie Swanson (front) and Henry Sisley (from left), Anna Gray, Michelle Jenkins, Russell Neal, Ken Smith, Emma Gray, Angie Milce, Sue McIntosh.

Riding the train through the Royal National Park and along the Illawarra coastline has never sounded so good.The journey to Bulli was as much a part of the Illawarra Folk Festival experience as the 11 tents, pavilions and stages at Bulli Showground on the weekend.Thousands flocked to the northern suburbs for the final two days of the four-day festival.

Music of the world comes to Bulli

Cool as folk: young plucky types shake up festivalThose travelling by train from Sydney or the northern suburbs were treated to a variety of musical entertainment, from Celtic sounds and bluegrass to vocalists and the tin whistle.Eight carriages on two southbound trains on Saturday and one train yesterday became mobile performance spaces as part of the festival.Across the four days of the 25th annual festival, around 500 performers entertained crowds with everything from gypsy music to Cajun, African, roots, blues, bluegrass and traditional Aussie tunes.The event wrapped up last night with a grand finale that included a parade, African drumming, belly dancing and musical performances in the Black Diamond marquee. Johnny Spillane also led a performance of Click Go The Shears and Molly Malone in an attempt to set a new Guinness world record for the largest penny tin whistle band.

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Illawarra Folk Festival a hit with almost everyone

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