Country, swing, reggae, Celtic tunes, African drummers, gypsy, bush dancing and yoga are just some of the genres represented at the 33^rd annual festival at Bulli Showgrounds from January 18 to 21.

Reggae group The Protesters are set for their Folk Festival debut, a mixture of eight seasoned musicians from bands like Watussi, King Tide, The Subterraneans and The Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

Read More: Folk Festival 2018 program now released

Like many of the musicians on the festival lineup, their songs aim to make subtle statements about prominent issues in the world such as corporate greed, the decline of the earth’s natural resources and equal opportunity.

“Since I was a kid I was always politically motivated and out for social justice so that’s where I started off with my music,” key songwriter and saxophone player Michael Brown said.

Brown, who also teaches contemporary music at TAFE, said his band is not necessarily ramming messages down people’s throats with their songs but he hopes their lyrics can at least do something small.

“To say something that might have a little bit of impact on our future in various ways, is getting maximum mileage in a way,” he said.

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