KIDS AT THE FOLKIE
The Illawarra Folk Festival prides itself on being family friendly, and as someone who has grown up going to the festival, I can attest I’ve made some of my favourite childhood memories there.
Left: Skyla Yorke (age 11) Dancing with father Al Yorke at IFF Pearl Anniversay, 2015
Right: Skyla Yorke (age 19) Dancing at IFF, 2023
I was six years-old when I went to the Illawarra Folk Festival for the first time. I was so enraptured by the magic of storytelling, music and the opportunity to jump on the dancefloor, that I’ve been a regular festival-goer for the last 15 years.
Each year the festival has a venue that caters directly for kids and young people with a lineup of incredible performers ranging from spoken word storytelling to interactive music shows.
One of my childhood favourites is returning to the festival this year; bilingual storyteller Lillian Rodrigues-Pang from Story Beats, whose Mariposa story I used to beg my parents to recite.
Crowd favourite Super Kenny will be playing at the festival this year with his other half, Magnificent Manda.
The duo’s heartfelt acoustic songs cover (un)serious topics like baked beans, farts and sea slugs.
Tickets for kids under 12 years-old are free, so if you’re looking for something fun for your kids to do this school holidays, the Folk Festival is a fantastic weekend of facepaint, music and activities to keep them busy.
Youth Traditions Showcase
The Festival also offers 20 Youth Tradition scholarships to young musicians under 26 to receive a complimentary pass to Folk School and a free day pass to perform at the Festival in the Youth Traditions Showcase.
After 15 years of dancing at the Illawarra Folk Festival, I’m just as excited to return in 2025.
Story by Illawarra Folk Festival Publicity Officer Skyla Yorke.
