Eisteddfods are held annually, offering competitive and non-competitive sections for all types of speech and drama, vocal, instrumental, and dance. For a designated period each year, participants compete and perform, covering the full spectrum of the performing arts. There are numerous benefits for competitors: not only are their artistic skills improved, but also their confidence, poise, commitment and self-esteem, skills which they will later take into the community with them.

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There is more to gain from participating in these events beyond just walking away with a medal or trophy. As well as providing students with an opportunity to do what they love, competitions offer valuable learning opportunities. We believe that eisteddfods are integral for the development of a performer, helping young artists test their own skills and grow by learning from other students. 

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We know finding eisteddfods can be difficult, so we’ve made it easier and created a comprehensive list of all current competitions and events running in Sydney. Please don’t miss out on these wonderful opportunities!

 

Below we have provided details for the major eisteddfods happening across Sydney. If one of these interests you, please reach out to your class teacher to discuss options for piece selections and recommended entries in the Speech and Drama, Singing and Musical Theatre sections: 

 

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Australian National Eisteddfod
PO Box 94
Civic Square ACT 2608

Year Established- 1937

Categories offered: Bands and Orchestras, Choirs, Instrumental and Contemporary Music,Piano, Singing, Speech and Drama
nationaleisteddfod.org.au

 

Illawarra Region Eisteddfod
The Secretary
11 George Street
Thirroul NSW 2515

Entries Close: February
Held: March
Categories offered: Solos/Troupes Classical Ballet, Demi Character, National Character, Modern Expressive, Contemporary, Jazz, Slow/Fast Tap, Waltz, Song & Soft Shoe, Song & Tap, Babies Sections, Singing
Principal awards: Championships
Year Established – 2006

Illawarraregioneisteddfod.com.au

 

Inner West Eisteddfod
PO Box 184
Burwood NSW 1805

Entries Close: April
Held: May/June/July
Categories offered: Piano, Vocal, String, Speech & Drama, Guitar, Dance
Principal award: Marcus Edwards Violin Prize – $1,000; Dr Miriam Hyde Piano Award
Year Established – 1987
innerwesteisteddfod.com.au

 

City of Parramatta Eisteddfod

Entries Close:
Vocal Contemporary mid-May;
All others March
Held: March – early July
Categories offered: Speech & Drama, Vocal Classical, Instrumental, Vocal Contemporary – Amplified
Principal awards: Intermediate Aria – $500;
Scholarships $500 each for Speech & Drama, Piano, Intermediate Vocal
Year Established – 1951
eisteddfodparramatta.org.au

 

City of Ryde Eisteddfod

Categories offered:Vocal, Choral, Instrumental, Dance, Speech & Drama
Principal awards: $1,000 Scholarships for selected
vocal, instrumental, dance, and
speech & drama events
Year Established – 1989
rydeeisteddfod.org/EISTEDDFOD/

 

St. George Performing Arts Eisteddfod

Entries Close: Dancing March;
Debating April;
Piano and Strings – May;
All other sections – June
Held: May – September
Categories offered: Dancing, Highland Dancing, Piano, Speech, Drama, Singing, Debating, Strings
Year Established – 1948
stgeorgeeisteddfod.org.au

 

Sydney Eisteddfod

Entries Close: mid March each year
Held: June to September
Categories offered:Classical Vocal, Choral, Popular Vocal , Singer/Songwriter, Rock Bands, Instrumental, Orchestral, Creative Writing, Music Composition, Drama, Speech, Dance, Schools events
Principal awards: McDonald’s Operatic Aria – $58,000; McDonald’s Ballet Scholarships – $36,000; John Lamble Australasian Choral Championships – $16,500; John Allison City of Sydney Piano Scholarship – $10,000; The Nelson Meers Outstanding Instrumental Scholarship – $8,000; Musica Viva Award for Chamber Music – $6,000
Year Established – 1933
sydneyeisteddfod.com.au

 

City of Wollongong Eisteddfod
PO Box 286
Wollongong NSW 2520

Entry Close: Early March
Held: May/June/July
Categories offered:Speech, Drama, Instrumental, Dance
Principal awards:Piano Scholarships $6,500/ Chopin $1,500; Operatic Aria $6,500; School Choirs $1,000; 3xDance Scholarships of $1,000; Speech/Drama $500; Many worthwhile Cash Prizes
Year Established – 1894
wollongongeisteddfod.com.au

 

In addition to the above eisteddfods, if you look on these pages, you can find more information regarding other events that might interest you!

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1) Sydney Eisteddfod
https://sydneyeisteddfod.com.au/events/category/speech-and-drama

 

2) National Eisteddfod
http://nationaleisteddfod.org.au/other-eisteddfodau/

 

3) Paramatta Eisteddfod
http://www.eisteddfodparramatta.org.au/
http://www.eisteddfodparramatta.org.au/competitiondates.htm

 

4) Burwood Eisteddfod
https://iwe.org.au