Kiama’s Folk by the Sea Festival kicked off on Friday night with a shanty and a boogie as revellers made their way to the Kiama Pavilion for the beginning of a weekend of music and dance.

The night began with a performance by Char Char Del Mar followed by the Kiama Sea Shanty Club, who regaled audiences with classic ballads like ‘Leave, Her Johnny’ and recent favourite ‘The Wellerman.’

The Kiama Sea Shanty Club had everyone singing along

Afterwards came the official opening ceremony, featuring a Welcome to Country by Aunty Joyce Donovan, who recently received an honourary degree from the University of Wollongong for her forty years of working in social justice and human rights in the Illawarra.

Felicity Dowd played ballads about life living in a van

She was followed by Mayor Neil Reilly’s open address, who told The Bugle that Folk by the Sea is particularly close to his heart as a music lover.

Aunty Joyce Donovan spoke about the importance of music and dance in Kiama, as it's believed the last big corroboree was held here

Folk by the Sea will continue over the weekend of 23-24 September with musicians and activities for all ages from 9am till late into the evening. 

Irish-born singer-songwriter Enda Kenny

Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly