The Illawarra Folk Festival is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2020 with a line-up boasting more than 150 acts from the Illawarra, throughout Australia and overseas.
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Among them is Brighde Chaimbeul, a Scottish performer from the Isle of Skye.
Chaimbeul is making her debut at the festival.
The 21-year-old plays the small pipes, a traditional Scottish instrument.
Performing alongside Ireland's Jamie Murphy on the uilleann pipes, they play traditional music from Scotland and Ireland.
The duo have already proven a hit at similar festivals and other gigs during their first trek to Australia.
"They're (audiences) loving it," Chaimbeul said.
"A lot of people have Scottish and Irish connections, so it's taking them back to their ancestors.
"You can expect a lot of old tunes. Sometimes it can be a bit hypnotic with the pipes, and also quite lively as well.
"So you can have a dance if you want."
Chaimbeul said it was important to carry on the tradition of playing this music.
"I come from a Gaelic-speaking background... Because that's a very old language, so for me the two things are connected, and that's very much my heritage," she said.
Conversely, there are also performers who are long-time fixtures of the event.
Woonona singer/songwriter Kay Proudlove, 32, will be performing at the festival, as well as volunteering in the role of artists' liaison.
Proudlove said she enjoyed the festival's friendly, family-like feel, and being able to "walk around and have about ten different conversations before I actually get anywhere".
"I've only been a performer (here) up until this year," she said.
"I've performed at the festival for almost ten years now. I felt like it was probably time I got more involved and gave something back, because I feel like I've got a lot from this festival.
"I've been playing this festival since I started writing songs, and it's very much developed me as an artist."
Festival artistic director David De Santi said they were privileged to have guests from several countries performing, as well as festival favourites appearing.
The festival is on at Bulli Showground from January 16-19. Visit the www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au website for the full program.