History of the
Mildura Eisteddfod Society Inc.

The Mildura Eisteddfod Society, which has been operating since 1978, holds competitions in Pianoforte, Brass, Woodwind, Recorder, Strings, Vocal, Choral, Vocal Country, Instrumental Ensembles, Groups, and Jazz, Speech and Drama, Dance, Classical Ballet, Song and Dance and Tap.

The Mildura Arts Centre has been the home of the Mildura Eisteddfod since its inception.

The first Mildura Eisteddfod Society Committee members were:

The first Eisteddfod was held on the 14th, 15th and 16th June 1979.

The reason for initiating the Mildura Eisteddfod was essentially for the encouragement and fostering of the performing arts, particularly in the interest of young people, and this continues to be the aim of the Mildura Eisteddfod Society.

The Eisteddfod is held each year in early June. Traditionally most sessions are held at the Mildura Arts Centre. In 2010 we have had to find alternative venues. Piano, Instrumental (except bands and large ensembles) and Speech and Drama will be held at the La Trobe University Mildura campus lecture theatre located on Benetook Avenue. Choral sections will be held at the St. Joseph’s Stadium on the corner of Riverside Ave. and 11th Street and Vocal, Dance and Instrumental large ensembles and bands will be held at the Mercy Theatre located at the rear of the St. Joseph’s Stadium.

Over the years the event has grown from three days of competition to thirteen to fourteen days of performances. The program is made up of morning, afternoon and evening sessions.  The event attracts local, state and interstate competitors.

The Mildura Eisteddfod is run by a volunteer committee of twelve. The Committee receives applications from highly qualified and competent adjudicators who are brought to Mildura by long term sponsors, QantasLink. Financial and in-kind support comes from the local community through Mildura Rural City Council, Wentworth Shire Council, La Trobe University Mildura campus, local businesses, community organisations, service clubs and individuals. The Eisteddfod is also the recipient of funding from Arts Victoria through the Community Support Fund.

During the Eisteddfod, local people willingly volunteer their time to fill the many positions required for the running of the event.

Audience numbers vary during the Eisteddfod. School group sections attract capacity crowds, whilst other sections experience good to reasonable support. The Mercy Theatre seats approximately 350 in comfortable surrounds while the La Trobe Lecture Theatre is a small but superb facility seating 120. Both competitors and adjudicators express their appreciation of the facilities and the organisation of the event.

homepage : about us : program events : rules : entries : contacts

© Mildura Eisteddfod Society Inc.