Bathurst Eisteddfod Society president Paula Elbourne said the society would love to see some fresh faces volunteering at this year’s event. 

Ms Elbourne said the community was always supportive of the popular event. 

“Every year we rely on some fantastic people in Bathurst to help us out,” Ms Elbourne said.

The Bathurst Eisteddfod will run for three weeks from August 30 to September 17.

The grand concert will be held on September 18. 

Last year there were 4000 per- formers taking part in 500 sessions. 

This year, however, will mark the 70th annual Bathurst Eisteddfod. It also falls in Bathurst’s bicentenary. 

These factors will contribute to it being bigger and better than ever – but, of course, it will mean more volunteers than ever will be needed. 

Ms Elbourne said volunteers will man the doors, write up the results, do the on-stage announcing, carry out backstage work, act as secretary for the adjudicator, work the lights, corral the children, hand out the prizes and sell tickets in the evening and on weekends.

“There really is something for everyone,” she said. 

Ms Elbourne said whatever time can be volunteered will be appreciated. 

Some people are only able to volunteer for one session and some put their hand up for a large number of sessions. It all depends, she said, on how much time they are able to commit.

A number of volunteers, such as Carole Eastment, have been giving their time to the eisteddfod for decades, however, the society would also love to see some younger volunteers taking part because they will be the event’s future. 

“The eisteddfod is an important community event for schools and individuals because it showcases the fabulous talent we have here in Bathurst,” Ms Elbourne said.

“It takes a lot of people every day to run the eisteddfod and so our volunteers are vital.” 

Anyone who can give some time to work as a volunteer at this year’s 70th annual Bathurst Eisteddfod is asked to contact Pam Andersen on 0401 379 414.