ORGANISERS of the Hamilton Eisteddfod are eagerly anticipating their 60th anniversary this year and are keen to strike some chords in the musical, dance and speech and drama community.

Entries are now open providing performers with the opportunity to receive feedback on their performance.

Hamilton Eisteddfod president, Leeanne Barber said there would be a birthday celebration in both the first and second week of the competitions.

“We will celebrate with a birthday cake on the Thursday night of the choirs and bands and then on the troupe’s day (which is on the Sunday),” she said.

Janette Cook, from Melbourne will be the music adjudicator, Dean Sky-Lucas also from Melbourne will be accompanying the musicians, Debbie Landel from the Gold Coast will be the dance adjudicator and from Hamilton Louise Le Nay, will adjudicate the speech and drama again.

“We’re looking forward to them coming and offering their professional expertise,” Mrs Barber said.

“People come from everywhere to perform in the Hamilton Eisteddfod including Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat and it’s also a great opportunity for rural schools to come in and perform.”

The organising committee have also taken the opportunity to express their gratitude to long-time volunteer, Glenys Aisbett who recently retired after serving for 37 years on the Hamilton Eisteddfod committee.

“She has held many positions and in recent years this included running the canteen – her contribution as a volunteer is greatly appreciated,” Mrs Barber said.

Ms Aisbett, together with Marie Robinson, was also consistently involved in representing Hamilton at meetings of the Association of Eisteddfod Societies of Australia; she always returned with relevant information about what the Eisteddfod needed to be up to date with, and what was best practice.

“This was a critical role,” Mrs Barber said.

“The committee are very grateful to Glenys for the work and commitment she gave to the Hamilton Eisteddfod.”

The dates for the 2024 Hamilton Eisteddfod are as follows:

Music: June 3 - 8

Dance: June 10 - 16

Speech and drama: June 17

For more information visit hamiltoneisteddfod.org.au