Cornwall’s famed sea-shanty ensemble Fisherman’s Friends sails into Australia for the first time, reports Arts in the City columnist HELEN MUSA.

Cornwall’s famed sea-shanty ensemble Fisherman’s Friends – born in the fishing village of Port Isaac and made popular by the Doc Martin TV series – sails into Australia for the first time. Their rousing harmonies, shaped by real fishermen, lifeboatmen and coastguards, promise a night of maritime warmth. Llewellyn Hall, January 15.

One of Australia’s biggest volunteer-run festivals, the Illawarra Folk Festival brings more than 100 performers together for three joyful days under the northern escarpment at Bulli. Once a small Jamberoo event, it has grown into a vibrant celebration of folk culture, community spirit and musical discovery. Bulli Showgrounds, January 16-18

With Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker, The Australian Ballet invites young audiences into Clara’s magical Christmas Eve adventure, where toy soldiers battle the Rat King and the Sugar Plum Fairy reigns in the Land of Sweets. It’s the ideal first ballet for children, complete with dressing-up and dancing along. The Playhouse, January 8-11.

More than 25,000 Elvis devotees will pour into Parkes, NSW, for the southern hemisphere’s largest celebration of the King. Now in its 33rd year, the Parkes Elvis Festival embraces a Love Me Tender theme with hundreds of events and an atmosphere only Elvis could inspire. January 7-11.

Puccini’s heartbreaking masterpiece Madama Butterfly returns in Moffatt Oxenbould’s venerable production, conducted by Andrea Battistoni, Erina Yashima and Paul Fitzsimon. International and Australian stars share the roles of Cio-Cio-San and Pinkerton as the score soars from Un bel dì to the Humming Chorus. Sydney Opera House, January 2-March 25.