Eisteddfod carries on despite uncertainty

12 Aug Eisteddfod carries on despite uncertainty

Posted at 06:00h in Art & Culture, Community, Local, News by Carey McIntosh 0 Comments

The 50^th annual Gladstone Eisteddfod kicked off this month with their Speech & Drama section after a year off last year due to COVID-19.

Eisteddfod Association President Elizabeth Jones said it was wonderful to be up and running again but that the show nearly didn’t go ahead.

“Our Melbourne and Brisbane adjudicators had to cancel this year due to COVID-19, and we were lucky to source Helen Reeves to adjudicate for Vocal and our up-coming piano part of the Instrumental,” she said.

Elizabeth said while this year’s entries were comparable to 2019, they were down on previous years.

“Uncertainties due to COVID-19 have played a role, it is difficult to build up momentum after a year off, and many people are also reluctant to commit too far ahead,” she said.

“A special part of this year’s Speech & Drama section is the number of competitors who are 19 and over.

“Some of them first competed in Eisteddfods when they were only youngsters; some are competing alongside their children and others are a family affair, mother and daughter and son.”

Elizabeth said the Eisteddfod would not be possible without a busy and active committee who are involved in “planning and preparing for the event, and many loyal supporters who help with the manning of the event”.

“We also couldn’t put on an Eisteddfod without the help of local businesses, especially our major sponsors Santos GLNG, Gladstone Ports Corporation and Gladstone Regional Council,” she said.

“There are also numerous individual supports and local businesses, such as Gladstone Printing Service and Gladstone Trophies, thank you to you all.”

The Gladstone Eisteddfod continues with the Instrumental section, August 15 – 24, and the Dance section from September 18 – 26.

For more information visit www.gladstoneeisteddfod.org.