The annual Illawarra Folk Festival is gearing up for its biggest year so far in 2014, according to Folk Club president Russell Hannah.
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Speaking at yesterday's official launch of the festival, to be held at its traditional home at the Bulli Showground from January 17-19, Mr Hannah said the massive line-up of 150 acts and more than 400 separate concerts had prompted the addition of a 12th venue to the schedule.
"We've got our largest contingent of overseas artists this year," he said.
"The festival is getting not only national but international attention now, and there were so many overseas artists applying to play at Bulli," he said.
January will mark the festival's 29th anniversary, and the first appearance of acclaimed indigenous artist Archie Roach, a coup Mr Hannah was particularly excited about.
He also singled out Grammy-winning musician Dom Flemons and a tribute concert to festival stalwart John Dengate as other must-see points on the schedule.
Besides a line-up boasting nationally and internationally-renowned artists, the event will again host a wide range of dances, storytelling, poetry, comedy and spoken word sessions for the expected 14,000 festival-goers to participate in.
"When you walk through the gates, you're not just a spectator, you're part of the event."
Discounted early bird tickets are available until December 20.