Council has thrown its support behind one of North Queensland's most beloved cultural events, the Townsville Eisteddfod, with the approval today of a $25,000 grant.
"Now in its 71st year, the eisteddfod gives young artists from Townsville and across North Queensland a platform to showcase their creativity and provides them with their initial step into the arts," Community and Cultural Development committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said.
"Many entrants go on to contribute to Townsville's cultural scene performing and volunteering with local musical theatre groups, drama organisations and orchestras.
"This is such an important event on our city's cultural calendar and Council is proud to support it."
Cr Greaney said organisers were anticipating 2000 entries in this year's eisteddfod, after the 2018 event attracted 1924 entrants resulting in 4256 section performances.
"The Townsville Eisteddfod has come a long way in 70 years. The event started as a dedicated youth event in 1950 with a 6-day event at one venue, with around 400 entries across 100 sections and three adjudicators," Cr Greaney said.
"It now requires 13 adjudicators and runs for 18 days. This year's event will run from 7-25 September.
"As well as the cultural benefits it provides, the eisteddfod also provides an economic benefit to our community with out-of-town performers and their supported estimated to deliver 700 visitor nights to the local economy."
