FOLK by the SEA is organised by volunteers from the Illawarra Folk Club Inc. The Club is a non-profit incorporated association.

The Illawarra Folk Club was established in 1979 and is is a ‘not for profit’ incorporated organisation dedicated to the presentation and preservation of our folklore and heritage in both its historical and evolving forms.

Music, story telling, singing, poetry, collecting and dancing are all part of its activities and it has been running two concerts per month during all this time. Concerts are generally held on the first Friday and third Saturdays of the month at the Wollongong City Diggers Club, though sometimes special concerts are also held at the Wongawilli Hall. More  it also presents a series of free Lunchtime Concerts at Live@Folk in the Wollongon Mall, every Thursday 12noon - 2pm

The Club has provided support to a number of local artist members who have produced recordings. It has also assisted in providing folk performers to many community and charity events in the Illawarra. As well as providing an outlet for local artists it brings many acclaimed artist from interstate and overseas.

Since 1985 the Club has presented the Illawarra Folk Festival once in Wilton, 20 times in the village of Jamberoo and now 14 times in Bulli during January. The festival has grown from a humble beginning to being recognised as one of Australia’s premiere folk festivals and the biggest in NSW. It is also the largest continuing folk festival in Australia to be run entirely by volunteers.

The Festival is a sub-committee of the Folk Club. It meets once month during the year and more often as the festival approaches. Since 2005 the Club has also presented a smaller one day festival at the Jamberoo Valley Lodge. In 2013 the event moved to Kiama and expanded to an event held over three days - ‘Folk by the Sea’.

If you are interested in helping with the Folk Club or Festivals then contact us by calling 1300 887 034 or email info@illawarrafolkclub.org.au 

Folk Club membership forms are available from the website and the Festival Reception.

www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au
www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au
www.folkbythesea.com.au