Local government, businesses, service organisations and individual residents in Dubbo are helping to get an iconic event off the ground for the 47th time.
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The annual and 47th City of Dubbo Eisteddfod opens on June 1.
On Thursday eisteddfod president for the past 22 years, Barbara Redgrave, praised the community for its enduring cash and in-kind support of the event. She passed on the gratitude of her hard-working and 14-member committee which will begin planning the 2018 eisteddfod in August.
Mrs Redgrave revealed the $80,000 cost and manpower required in running the eisteddfod and confirmed that the former Dubbo City Council’s sponsorship status had been picked up by Dubbo Regional Council. “We have one platinum sponsor and that is Dubbo Regional Council,” she said. “They are a great support and assist us in many ways. For example they provide a bus zone for days when the schools compete. We get a lot of sponsorship in Dubbo , not only from council but service groups, businesses and individuals.”
Entry fees from competitors and public admission charges also play a part in keeping the showcase of talent afloat. In 2017 an adult session ticket will cost $5. People eligible for a concession ticket and children aged “six years and over” will pay $3. “Season passes are $40 each,” Mrs Redgrave said. “It allows you to go into any session. You get more than your money’s worth.”
Mrs Redgrave indicated that the work of volunteers was invaluable. About 150 volunteers are on the eisteddfod’s books, but newcomers are always made welcome. “We couldn’t run it smoothly without the assistance of all our wonderful volunteers,” the president said.
Mrs Redgrave said 2017 entries were on par with 2016, except for dance which was “well up”. The majority of competitors are from Dubbo and surrounding communities, but the city’s economy benefits from visitors keen to get on stage. “We have a lot of people, especially in the dance section, that come from throughout the state,” the president said.
The 2017 eisteddfod at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DRTCC) will open with vocal and choral performances on Thursday, June 1, and close with showstopping open group jazz routines on Saturday, June 24. On Sunday, June 25, the eisteddfod’s grand concert will get under way at 3pm with scholarship winners and competitors chosen by adjudicators entertaining the crowd. Tickets to the concert will go on sale at DRTCC on June 1. Mrs Redgrave is encouraging the public to check out the eisteddfod programs on www.dubboeisteddfod.org.au as it will not be running every day.