2009 Festival Dates Set

The Illawarra Folk Club, organisers of the Illawarra Folk Festival, are pleased to announce the dates for the 2009 Festival - 15 to 18 January to be held again at the Bulli Showground at Slacky Flat.

2008 Festival Program

The 2008 Illawarra Folk Festival program of 11 venues, 4 days, 180 events held in January is available at: http://www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au/2008program.php  

2008 Festival Media Release - PARTY TO A WORLD OF MUSIC!

The historic Slacky Flat at Bulli Showgrounds will burst into party mode from the 17-20th January 2008, when over 500 performers will converge in town for the award-winning Illawarra Folk Festival.

Folk festivals are unique, they are highly enjoyable, hugely entertaining and an absolute blast – all in all they really are just one big reason to join in a massive party! The festival is now in its 23rd year of showcasing some of the greatest folk music, song, verse and dance, storytelling, events, and instrument workshops available in Australia and the world. With a diverse range of cultures and a hearty dose of both the old and the new there is something for everyone to savour at the 23rd Illawarra Folk Festival.

All this action will transform the Bulli Showground, north of Wollongong, into a magical world of festive colour and song, whether it’s just for one day or four, come be part of the continuing tradition, established in 1985 and now an integral part of the Illawarra identity. After moving on from many wonderful and enjoyable years in Jamberoo, this will be the third time the festival has been held at the Bulli Showground.

Wander around the 12 festival venues at your leisure, as you make the difficult decision from the vast array of choices on offer of who to see, what to do and where to play! Explore the Main Marquee and discover who’s playing at the beautiful outdoor Grevillia Gardens. Hit the Heritage Hotel, dance your way around the Showground Buildings, and clap till your hands hurt at the fabulous entertainment around the Nag’s Lounge (Horse Stables). It’s festival time at the Showground. The Illawarra Folk Festival has events for everyone, young, old and in between. Tots are included, no-one is excluded, but if you can’t decide then you could head on over to the Slacky Flat Bar for the all round party!

Every year the festival improves and builds upon the past, some of the changes this year include a purpose built wooden dance floor at the newly named Global Green for all those workshops and dance performances, a Grandstand Restaurant, expanded children’s area and a new space for yet more musical sounds at the Grevillea Park.

There are over 100 artists that have been confirmed. This year the festival will be celebrating the return of some treasured favourites including Eric Bogle, Bajaly Suso from Gambia, Bernard Carney, Joe Dolce, Frencham Smith, Kate Fagan, Wongawilli, John Broomhall, Wheeze & Suck Band, Counterfeit Gypsies, Martin Pearson, Pat Drummond, Karen Lynne & Acoustic Shock, The Rhythm Hunters and Chloe and Jason Roweth.

The festival will also host a vast array of international artists including Nano Stern from Chile, Gary Og from Scotland, SONiA and Disappear Fear from the US, the Appalachian Whitetop Mountaineers from Virginia, US, Tete Adehyemaa Dance Theatre from Ghana and Sanskriti& Dheeraj Shrestha from Nepal.

Special guest this year will be Dog Trumpet with Reg Mombassa. In a coup for a folk festival, Reg has provided the festival image artwork.

We are privileged to be welcoming lots of new friends from around the nation such as Bruce Mathiske, The Band Who Knew Too Much, The Nester Lou and Slim Knackers Show, The Go Set, Lolo Levina, Squeezebox Boogaloo, Karl Broadie, The Miles to Go Band, Mothers of Intention, The Fourth Realm, Franklyn B Paverty, Zorba’s Kefi Band and Tangocentric.

Some of the feature highlights will be the ever popular Poets Breakfast, a hilarious Comedy and Limerick Competition, Tripe Eaters Association Dinner and Concert, Italian Lunch, Festival Parade, World Dance Party, Youth Folk Project and Australian folk instrument makers display. The dance programme is also packed. You can choose from Bush dancing to African; Contra to Belly Dance; Morris to Irish jigging and much much more to be held on a specially dedicated dance floor at the Global Green.

The festival is nestled beneath the majesty of the Illawarra escarpment and the stunning beaches of the region are close by. The Showground is within easy walking distance from Train and Bus. Camping is available for a flat fee of $15 per person, but spots are limited so get in quick to avoid disappointment. There is plenty of free parking available onsite.

To make sure you don’t miss out on all the fun tickets are available from www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au/store or tel: 1300 887 034. There are huge savings on the $95 Season Ticket if you buy early.

FESTIVAL TICKETS AVAILABLE

The historic Bulli Township and Showgrounds just 10 kms from Wollongong will come alive between the 17th - 20th January 2008, when over 500 performers will descend on the town for the 23rd award winning annual extravaganza of folk music, song, verse, dance, storytelling, events, instrument and singing workshops, instrument displays, multicultural performances and a swag of concerts.

Tickets are now available. Purchase securely on-line Click Here for Online Ticket Order Form or call Festival Information 1300 887 034 for over the phone credit card sales (Visa, Mastercard, Bankcard).

There are only a limited number of camping sites (350) for a fee of $15 per person, so camp sites can only be pre-booked with Seasib Ticket purchase.

Stage 2 Season Tickets have been will be released for $80 and will close 15 January.

Children under 12 will be free with a paying parent.