The Australian Idol alum is set to take Kiama folk fans all the way to Ireland when he heads up the annual Folk by the Sea festival later this month.

Launching the two-day event on Wednesday, Leith told the Mercury he had jumped at the chance to headline the festival, relishing the chance to play folk music in an idyllic setting.

“My music always comes back to folk, I love that stripped-back, organic sound so I always love to play at any kind of festival where there’s folk music,” he said.

“Plus, when you’ve got an outlook like this [in Kiama], it’s pretty hard to say no – you’re looking onto the sea and the beach, what could be better?”

Leith is set to headline a line-up of 35 international, national and Illawarra acts, performing everything from traditional folk to Celtic, gypsy and bluegrass tunes.

Australian folk legend Mic Conway, Sydney folk punk band The Bottlers and Grammy Award nominee Beth Patterson will share the stage with regional performers including Big Erle and The Con Artists.

The festival, now in its second year, will also feature poetry, spoken word and dance performances.

Leith, fresh from a trip to Ireland, promised audiences a mix of international folk and old favourites.

“I think my plan of action is to play some Irish folk stuff, I’ll have another guy playing with me so it will be a big sound,” he said.

“I’ll do a few of my other songs from over the years and maybe throw in a few surprises too.”

Leith, an avid festival goer, said folk festivals were always a good time – for performers and patrons alike.

“Musicians are always drawn to festivals, I think it’s the most fun you can have a performer,” he said.

“They’re great to play because you get to form more of a relationship with the audience and with other people in the industry as well; festivals just have a good vibe.”

Folk by the Sea will be held from September 26 to 28.

The festival will be a ticket-only event at Kiama Showground on Friday night and Saturday.

Free concerts will be held on Sunday in Hindmarsh Park from 10am  and at Kiama Leagues Club from 5pm.

Early bird two-day pass tickets are now available.

To book, visit www.folkbythesea.com.au or call 1300 887 034.