Message From Minister for Tourism

Welcome to the 2009 Illawarra Folk Festival, one of the region’s premier music events.

The NSW Government through the Regional Flagship Program is proud to sponsor the festival which is now in its 24th year and attracts thousands of people to the Illawarra. 

Events such as these provide a well needed tourism boost to the regional economy, and are vital in bringing the community together. The Illawarra Folk Festival is consistently successful in attracting both international and interstate visitors to local businesses, restaurants and attractions.

Every year the festival gets bigger and better and this time hosts more than 500 acts that will perform in 200 events. 
The region’s rich musical talent will be on show for four days in traditional folk, world, acoustic, and Celtic concerts and dances.

This year’s festival also features Aussie Bush and World Music, dancing at the Global Green, poetry, street theatre and events such as Breakfast with the Poets, Folkie Karaoke.

The festival also includes international artists from countries around the globe including Canada, Switzerland, Germany South Africa and Senegal.

The Bulli Showground takes the festival’s centre stage and is the perfect base to explore Illawarra’s stunning beaches and national parks of the region.

Thank you for supporting the Illawarra Festival. I am sure you will have an enjoyable time.

The Hon Jodi McKay MP
Minister for Tourism, New South Wales

More information about Jodi McKay

Tourism New South Wales website

Tourism Wollongong website