The committee has brought the starting date forward due to the large number of entrants, with almost 5000 individual entries. 

There have been over 2500 individual entries in dance, approximately 1300 individual entries in speech and drama and 1000 music entries.

Bathurst Eisteddfod president Roslyn King cited the judges and location as reasons for an increase in numbers this year.

“There have been so many entrants because of the high level of our adjudicators and because of the quality of BMEC [Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre],” Ms King said. 

“The most individual entries for one category is in dance and it will run for 14 of the 19 days.” 

The adjudicators are Nathan Sheens (dance and drama), Andrew Chubb (music), Stephen Baker (music), Christopher Favaloro (dance and drama) and David Thompson (music).

All the judges have creditable knowledge and experience in their own fields. 

To the delight of the committee, the eisteddfod has had more volunteers sign up in the past month, making it possible for the event to run smoothly.

“We were lucky more volunteers signed up. We’re never going to say no to anyone,” Ms King said. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase talent in Bathurst and the facilities make it a great place for people to come and visit.” 

Competitors will be travelling from as far as Canberra, the South Coast and Sydney, as well as many returning performers from across the Central West.