Dance entries make Wellington's Eisteddfod the best

Now dancers from as far as Lithgow will be looking to take part in one of the strongest competitions in the region.

It's a far cry from the days when locals had to go to Dubbo or Orange to perform.

Wellington Dance Academy principal Doreen Thompson was on the committee when the Wellington Eisteddfod began 38 years ago and has watched it go from strength to strength ever since.

She believes Wellington's reputation as a friendly eisteddfod is what has kept people coming back across the years.

"It was exciting and difficult. Back then we didn't know what we were doing and finding adjudicators wasn't easy," she said.

These days she is kept busy with her dance students; an extra day has been added into the dance schedule and Wellington alone has 20 group entrants as well as 60 to 70 solos.

"You still watch with your heart in your mouth, hoping they won't make mistakes," she said.

"It is very important for the children. It gives them a lot of self-confidence, stage experience and life experience really."

"They start out as shy little people and it's wonderful to see them grow in confidence."

The eisteddfod starts July 29 with the speech and drama section which continues until July 31.

The dance section runs from August 2 to 10 and the vocal and instrumental section from August 12 to 14.

The grand concert will be on August 17 at 1.30pm.

For enquiries please call 6845 4434.