The word has spread! The City of Orange Eisteddfod will go ahead later this year in a modified form for solo and duo performers, with entries set to close on June 12.

The competition for students of music, speech and drama and dance is one of the largest in regional New South Wales attracting more than 6,000 entrants.

President of the City of Orange Eisteddfod committee Carol Smithers said after considerable deliberation of other options, including an on-line competition, it was decided to host the competition in a modified form starting with the dance sections from August 16.

The committee met via video conferencing last month and it was overwhelmingly agreed upon that a decision to open entries could not be delayed any further.

“Usually by this time our entries have already opened, but because of Covid-19 and the way the situation was changing almost daily, we put our decision off for as long as possible,” she said.

Further details of how the Eisteddfod would operate this year will be released later, but the committee were keen to notify performers that entries would open soon.

“It is lovely to think that our Eisteddfod will be able to provide an opportunity for students of all the genres to perform in a year that has seen so many other competitions cancelled.”

She said that to keep within NSW Health and Government Guidelines the Committee had decided to limit our competition to solos and duos. “We are disappointed that we can’t accommodate group sections in 2020. Of course, we always have large number in the groups and the audiences. Unfortunately, this will impact School Groups, Dance Groups, Choirs, Ensembles and Bands.”

By doing this our income will be greatly reduced and so to offset running costs, it was decided that instead of cash prizes all place getters will be awarded medals and certificates and trophies in some sections.

“A sub-committee has been formed to look at appropriate measures needed to ensure that Covid-19 restrictions, which may still be in place when the competition begins, are followed. These will be drawn up in conjunction with the managers of our venues -The Orange Civic Theatre, Orange Regional Conservatorium and Orange Function Centre.” Mrs Smithers said. “Our committee is consulting on a daily basis and monitoring closely the directives of NSW Health in relation to the restrictions,  if at the scheduled time of the Eisteddfod we are advised we are unable to proceed The City of Orange Eisteddfod will of course follow those government guidelines.”

Despite the limitations of the modified program, the Orange Eisteddfod team are very much looking forward to an enjoyable competition.
Entries can be lodged via www.stardom.com.au and will close on Sunday June 14. Break a leg Orange.

For further information please contact Carol Smithers on 0429 936 974.

Competition dates:

• Dance sections – August 16-30

• Vocal and Instrumental – August 31- September 9

• Speech and Drama – September 9 – 13