The event started on Monday, June 17 and showcased some of the best young talent by students from across the region who entered into Speech and Drama and Vocal and Instrumental categories. 

Kempsey Eisteddfod Society committee member Sandra Prosper said the six-day event was a success despite the number of singing entries being down from last year. 

“Unfortunately there were very few singers,” she said. 

“Vocal and instrumental was a bit down from last year but having said that, the entries were very high quality.

“We’d love more singers for next year - in order for us to keep running we need more kids to enter.”

Helen Marchant from Greystanes adjudicated Speech and Drama while Kay Lane from the Hunter Valley adjudicated Vocal and Instrumental. 

The judges told Mrs Prosper they were impressed by the standard of performances in the Macleay Valley. 

“Helen and Kay were equally impressed by what they saw,” Mrs Prosper said. 

“Helen praised local high school drama teachers for their work as she said they have done a fantastic job.”

Mrs Propser said without the eisteddfod it would be very hard for local students to have on-stage experience. 

“It gives students, whether they are involved with drama or music, a performance outlet,” she said. 

“They get up in front of a crowd and judges and are critiqued and receive feedback. 

“It gives them a goal and something to work towards each year.”  

With the continued support from a variety of local businesses, the eisteddfod was able to continue for another year. 

“The local business community is very generous with sponsorship of the eisteddfod,” she said. 

“I think Kempsey really needs that at the moment, locals supporting locals, especially with the bypass opened.” 

The week-long Dance Eisteddfod will be held at Melville High School from Saturday, June 29. Everyone is invited to attend and entry is $4. 

The results for the 63rd annual Kempsey Eisteddfod

Speech & Drama:

The aggregate awards are given for combined scores of Verse, Prose Reading & Bible Reading in their appropriate age.

The winner for 8 & under was Samantha Brenton, 10 & under Amy Irving, 12 & under Olivia Brenton and 14 & under Kurt Prosper.

Most potential in Speech Sections was Calissa Denaro

Most outstanding in Speech or Drama was Heather Laird

Kempsey Eisteddfod Scholarships to the value of $175 each were awarded to Ali Malek and Rhys Zapata-Cole of Kempsey High School and Shania Cubillo of Melville High School. These are to assist with the cost of attending the Mid North Coast Drama Camp.

Vocal & Instrumental:

Aggregate prize for 14 & under Piano solo, Baroque solo and Australian Composer sections was Claire Robinson.

Most promising guitarist was Simon Robinson

Most promising pianist 10 & under Isabelle Capararo

Most Outstanding pianist any age went to Alexander Hilbert

Most potential in piano for a local person14 & under Alana Nowakowski

Most promising instrumentalist Monica Lee