WHAT A FESTIVAL!!!

Thanks so much for attending the 38th Illawarra Folk Festival, and for helping to make it such an epic event.

We were really thrilled with the attendances on all three days, and for the positive vibe around Bulli Showground. Everyone – audiences, performers and volunteers -  seemed to be having a good time.

People seemed to appreciate the hard work of our artists selection committee, for coming up with an amazing program with plenty of variety and acts that appealed across the generations and really got people up on their feet – from the hundreds of people dancing to  the reggae beats of The Strides and The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band on Friday night, to the spontaneous standing ovations for the legendary Eric Bogle after each of his two-hour Songbook concerts.

And We Mavericks obviously struck a chord with their Heart of Silver album launch show on the Sunday afternoon, because Lindsay and Virginia were the highest-selling act at the Merch Shop with their CDs, T-shirts and bags.

Thanks to all the performers, from overseas, around Australia and from the Illawarra. You made the festival special with your talent and enthusiasm.

And a huge thankyou to our army of volunteers, who made the festival possible. For many, it is a year-long commitment, and we are already starting to plan the 2026 festival.

Perhaps there are things you thought we could do better. If so, we’d really appreciate feedback as we are always looking for ways that we can improve the festival.

Once again, thank you for being part of the Illawarra Folk Festival in 2025. We hope to see you back at Bulli next January.

With utmost gratitude & joy from the Illawarra Folk Festival Committee