Boasting the biggest line-up in the event's history, with 180 local, national and international acts locked in, 10,000 music enthusiasts are expected to fill Bulli Showground over the January 15-18 weekend.

Mr Broomhall believes folk music continues to play an integral role in bringing the community together.

"The great thing about folk music is that it doesn't just tell a story but it lets us know where we've come from, all of us no matter what age, and it's like a flame that's passed on to us," Mr Broomhall said.

"If we don't pass it on to others, where are we as people, as humans? Folk music is all about where we've come from, where we're going as well. They're songs of value, yarns of value."

The festival's artistic director, David De Santi, believes the event also provides an opportunity for people to be exposed to new and exciting music.

"We want to get everyone in the spirit," Mr De Santi said.

"A lot of stuff goes on in the world so it's really nice to be able to go to the folk festival, go through the gate and find that you're in a lovely atmosphere with relaxed music, families, young people doing their thing playing music. There's so many venues as well so lots of people get the chance to find some stuff they've never heard of before."

John Spillane is one of the festival's founding fathers, witnessing the event blossom over the past 30 years.

"It started from very small to very big," he said.

For more information visit illawarrafolkfestival.com.au.