Each year, over 35,000 entrants from all across Australia and New Zealand enter the Sydney Eisteddfod to showcase their talents in over 300 events across dance, drama, music and song and compete to win over $400,000 annually in cash prizes and scholarships. These hopefuls from all levels from beginner to pre-professional are provided the opportunity to perform at world-class venues including Sydney Opera House and Chatswood’s, The Concourse, in front of judges who are at the forefront of their field.

This year, entrants have come in fast, however the organization has decided to give people an extended chance to enter, without penalty, until March 23. 

Sydney Eisteddfod wishes to advise that in these uncertain times, they are still moving ahead with the “Planning Stage” for the 2020 Sydney Eisteddfod Festival.  “At this time, the 2020 Sydney Eisteddfod Festival will proceed as planned from 23 May onwards.”
 
“We will monitor this rapidly evolving situation constantly and will take our direction from the advice and directives provided by the Australian Commonwealth, NSW Government and Live Performance Australia.” They released in a statement today.

Sydney Eisteddfod has been running since 1933 and is one of the largest and most successful competitive performing arts festivals of its type in the world with a mission to assist aspiring performers a develop lifelong engagement with the performing arts. 

Dancer, actor and Sydney Eisteddfod alumni & adjudicator, Joseph Brown says, 

“Sydney Eisteddfod is one of, if not the largest and most significant dance event in Australia. For decades it has brought together our community to celebrate and shine a spotlight on the best talent in Australia.”

Notable alumni who have performed on their stages include Classical Singer, 2019 Eurovision Australian representative and 2009 Australia’s Got Talent Winner, Mark Vincent, Principal Dancers in the Royal Ballet, London, Steven McRae and Alexander Campbell, Dr Nicholas Milton AM, conductor for the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and Simon Tedeschi, classical Pianist.

For those who are wondering if they should enter, Opera singer and Sydney Eisteddfod Opera Scholarship adjudicator, Cheryl Barker AO, says,
“Get out there and go in everything. Get as many performance opportunities as possible.” 

Speech and drama alumni and now Sydney Eisteddfod ambassador, Angela Bishop says,
“A lot of what people learn though Sydney Eisteddfod contributes to their career choices. I don’t think this is where I would be if it wasn’t for Sydney Eisteddfod.”  

“We are still asking people to enter as usual”, Sydney Eisteddfod CEO, Piroozi Desai-Keane says. “Should Sydney Eisteddfod find itself in a position where it needs to postpone or cancel event/s then we will be in touch with advice about refunds or other options.”

Sydney Eisteddfod’s deadline for entries has been extended until Monday March 23 with opportunities for performance, learning and most importantly, fun.

Late fees will apply thereafter.

To see a full list of events and to enter, visit sydneyeisteddfod.com.au/events/.

LINKS: 

https://sydneyeisteddfod.com.au/covid-19-coronavirus-sydney-eisteddfod-current-advice/
https://sydneyeisteddfod.com.au/events/
https://sydneyeisteddfod.com.au/
https://sydneyeisteddfod.com.au/our-story/organisation/