Eisteddfod to showcase SW performers

Talented dancers and musicians will fill Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre with colour and music during the next five weeks as part of the WA Performing Arts Eisteddfod.

More than 2000 students will perform at the 58th annual event, which begins tonight at 7pm with a variety of performances to be held until June 20 before a gala concert closes the event on June 25.

WA Performing Arts Eisteddfod president Myra Easton said the first few days would include vocal, digital piano, percussion and drama performances.

“I’m looking forward to this year’s event and I think it’s going to be wonderful,” she said.

“We’ve got a lot of new talent during this year. Last year we had more than 2000 performers and this year we’ve got about 2300.

“There has been an extra day added on for dance and this year we’ve got a lot more concert bands.”

Mrs Easton said the support of the community was crucial to the success of the event.

“If people didn’t support us then it wouldn’t be worth holding the event but we get great support from the community,” she said.

“The talent in the South West not just in Bunbury but other areas is just phenomenal.

“I respect the work of both private teachers and teachers in schools, who do a wonderful job.”

Mrs Easton said the gala concert would be a fitting end to the event with a number of performers showing off their talents.

“It won’t necessarily showcase the people who won but the performers who were entertaining during the season,” she said.