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At Bulli Showground 600 artists are performing in over 450 concerts on 11 stages over four days from Thursday at the largest folk event in NSW.
The 33rd Illawarra Folk Festival features some of the favourite artists from the last 32 years as well as many newcomers from around the world.
Artistic director David de Santi said stars returning by popular demand include festival favourite Eric Bogle and The Go Set.
The line up also includes the Balkan Elvis – Mikelangelo, The Royal High Jinx, Honey & Knives, The Northern Folk and The Protesters.
The internationals include Irish songstress Eleanor McEvoy, US country music star Kevin Welch, Irish band Breaking Trad, Canada’s The Small Glories and The Beez from Germany.
There are also three Italian bands.
Oi Dipnoi from Sicily, Zumpa will be playing Neapolitan music and Santa Taranta will be featuring the music of Apuglia.
The four day festival not only features folk music but bluegrass, gypsy and celtic music as well as poetry, comedy and dance.
There are 40 workshops across the weekend as well as a two day folk music school for those wanting to hone their talent and skills.
There is also camping onsite as well as parking for those who don’t plan to arrive via the Music Train from Sydney.
Mr de Santi said folk fans don’t have to wait for the weekend to be entertained as there is a great line up every day.
“Tamworth Country Music Festival Golden Guitar winner Darren Coggan, who now calls the Illawarra home, will be performing on the Charity Day on Thursday,” he said.
Gates open at 8.30am with workshops beginning at 10am and Coggan hits the stage just after 8.30pm. Oi Dipnoi, the Balkan Elvis and The Beez all perform after 8pm.
On Friday gates open at 8.30am with Oi Dipnoi at 11.30am, The Go Set at 1pm, The Beez at 4pm, The Small Glories from 5.30pm, Eric Bogle performing at 7pm followed by Breaking Trad at 8.30pm and Eleanor McEvoy on at The Chapel at 8pm.
The days starts at 8am on Saturday with Kelvin Welch starring at 1pm, the Small Glories at 1pm, Eric Bogle at 7pm, the Balkan Elvis with the Transcontinentals playing at 8pm and Oi Dipnoi at 8.30pm.
It is another 8am start on Sunday with Eric Bogle returning to the stage at 5pm.
During the day the Balkan Elvis performs at 2.30pm, Eleanor McEvoy at 11.30am, The Small Glories at 1.30pm, Kevin Welch at 5pm and the Beez on another stage at 5pm.
Zumpa and friends play at Dave’s party from 8.30pm.
Tickets can be bought online or on 1300 887 034.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
