Co-founder Suzanne Montague said learning to DIY was a big drawcard at last year’s inaugural event at Bulli Showground, so increased the number of workshop to 18 this year.

Chopstick making and spoon carving are among the sessions, as is learning to crack a whip and experts teaching children how to climb trees.

“With our digitalised, busy world people are becoming very disillusioned,” Mrs Montague said.

“This re-centres [people] – the whole manual, sitting down quietly, being away from the blue screen … this is the key to regaining our mental health.”

Marcus Tatton – a featured artist from Bondi’s Sculpture By The Sea – will be crafting an artwork live with his chainsaw, with many other artisans also on display.

Mrs Montague hopes to see an increase on last year’s attendance (of 4000) which was slightly marred by Bulli Pass’ closure. While the majority of workshops and exhibits will be under cover it the sky opens with rain.

She said the festival has approval for another three years after this one, with the aim to keep building on the year before.

“There’s so much happening down here and so many people moving into the area that we’d really like to keep [promoting] the local artisans,” Mrs Montague said.

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Full program CLICK HERE

Saturday – Honey Sippers, Stringline Folk Band, Camden Community Band, Phyllistein

Sunday – Dear Violet, Simjan

Illawarra Festival of Wood, October 12 and 13.  For more details visit: https://illawarrafestivalofwood.com/ 

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