Stay away: competitors from hot spots asked to miss Bathurst Eisteddfod

And mayor Bobby Bourke and Bathurst MP Paul Toole have have both indicated their preference for only Bathurst competitors to take part in this year's event as the state government calls for people to limit travel between communities.

The Bathurst Eisteddfod committee posted on its Facebook page on Thursday night that the event would begin as planned this weekend, with a COVID-safe plan in place.

The post said the committee remained in contact with NSW Health officials and was monitoring changes to restrictions as they come into effect.

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In the meantime we kindly ask if you are unwell, have travelled to or are from a hot spot area that you do not attend," the post stated.

"NSW Health have a comprehensive list of current hot spots that can be found on their website."

The 2020 eisteddfod will be like no other with many sections to be conducted online only.

Competitors in a number of dance and music sections, both solo and ensemble categories, will this year submit a video of their performance to be judged, but restrictions on group singing and woodwind performances announced by the state government have put even some of the online sections in doubt.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said his preference was for this year's eisteddfod to be open only to competitors from the 2795 post code but conceded council - which supports the event through a $30,000 fee waiver for the use of BMEC - had no say in how the eisteddfod was run.

"Council requires them to have a COVID-safe plan in place and we have our own plan for BMEC, then it's up to the eisteddfod committee to liaise with health authorities to ensure they are doing the right things," Cr Bourke said.

"Personally, I would be happy for the eisteddfod to go ahead with local contestants making use of one of council's facilities this year but the roads aren't closed, Bathurst isn't closed and we can't stop people coming here from other areas."

Bathurst MP Paul Toole also said any restrictions on outside competitors would be entirely up to the eisteddfod committee.

"Like all community events, the eisteddfod can take place as long as there is a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place," Mr Toole said.

"Organisers could consider limiting participants from outside the region."