The 39th Illawarra Folk Festival has wrapped up after a weekend of music, storytelling, and community spirit, proving that even heavy rain and muddy grounds can't dampen the magic of folk. Held at the Bulli Showground from January 16 to 18, 2026, the event drew crowds eager for connection and live performance.
Romantic Ballads Steal Hearts
A collective sigh was heard across the festival grounds on Saturday, courtesy of Canadian singer-songwriter Scott Cook. Performing on the Black Diamond marquee stage, Cook shared the romantic inspiration behind his song Leave a Light On, written during the early days of courting his now-partner, double bassist Pamela Mae.
The pair's onstage chemistry was palpable as Cook reminisced, with Mae looking on lovingly. This marked Cook's third appearance at the popular Illawarra event, which he praised for its unwavering support of musicians and their craft.
Sea Stories Connect Audience to Ocean
Despite challenging conditions of squelching mud and strong winds, storytelling took centre stage. Attendees dashed through rain to the Bush Tipi for the Sea Kinn Stories session, led by Dr Jodi Edwards and Lillian Rodrigues-Pang.
The interactive performance focused on "sea country" tales, aiming to reconnect people with the ocean and its creatures. "We were sharing sea kin's stories, reconnecting people with the ocean and teaching them about their interconnectedness," Dr Edwards explained.
Rodrigues-Pang described the process as "bouncing off the feels" from the audience, a form of intense, purposeful listening and improvisation that shaped the stories in real-time.
A Festival of Resilience and Community
The 2026 festival will be remembered for its resilience. The event, a staple in the Illawarra calendar, successfully transformed the weekend's wild weather into an intimate backdrop for shared experiences. From romantic musical moments to immersive environmental storytelling, the festival underscored the power of live, communal art to uplift and connect, no matter what the skies deliver.
