FOLK FESTIVAL SET TO ROCK

DON'T expect a sea of hippies and 70's style entertainment at this year's Illawarra Folk Festival.

Being held for the second time at Bulli Showground after many years of success in the picturesque Jamberoo Valley, organisers are hoping the community of Wollongong's northern suburbs throw their support behind the festivities to ensure it continues as the area's premier music festival.

For the festival's workhorse organiser David de Santi the annual task of pulling together more than 500 performers to take part in the four-day event is a labour of love.

Northern suburbs locals haven't been all that quick to show their support for a local folk music festival - he's hoping all that will change this year.

"The festival is now in its 22nd year of showcasing some of the greatest folk music, song, verse and dance, storytelling, events and instrument workshops available in Australia."

"With a diverse range of cultures and a heart dose of both the old and the new there is something for everyone to savour at the festival."

And, he adds, leave your preconceptions of folk music at the door.

"I think some people out there think folk music is about dope-smoking hippies when that couldn't be further from the truth.

"Folk music is about about family, it's about harmony, there's something for everyone.

"If people just get through the gates I can almost guarantee they'll enjoy themselves."

"And we're all just normal people!" he adds with a laugh.

David's own son Samuel is a veteran of the festival, with his own 'band' Big Snore Hammer a part of the festivities.

"He likes the pumped up folk music like the Bush Whackers and so he's recreated that music in his band," said David.

This year's festival has attracted 160 volunteers who David says come along to help out and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the festival.

The festival features 12 venues including main marquee and beautiful outdoor Grevillea Gardens stage. For full details see www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au