Talent celebrated at successful Narrabri eisteddfod

THE annual Narrabri Arts Eisteddfod has once again proven to be a resounding success, with hundreds of performers taking to the stage at The Crossing Theatre during a week-long celebration of music, dance, speech and drama.

Heidi Stuart, recipient of the Junior Encouragement Award for speech and drama.

Held over seven days, this year’s eisteddfod featured three days of music competitions, followed by two full days each of dance and speech and drama.

The event attracted an impressive 712 entries, including both individual performers and groups, highlighting the continued enthusiasm for the performing arts across the region.

Heidi Stuart and Zara Warnock.

Competitors travelled from across New South Wales to take part, with entrants coming from Sydney, Gulgong, Armidale, Tamworth, Inverell, Gunnedah, Collarenebri and Moree.

Back, Louise Stewart and Jenny Tucker with Heidi Stuart and Kingstyn McDonald.

Strong participation also came from schools throughout Narrabri Shire and neighbouring districts.

Kara Taylor, Elsa Gabbott (winner of the NICU Award for Music) and Anita Gabbott.

Eisteddfod organisers said the event provides an invaluable opportunity for country communities, particularly young people, to experience the excitement and rewards of live performance.

Max Pringle (winner of the Jean Husband Memorial trophy for Speech) and Kara Taylor.

The committee expressed its delight with the outstanding response from performers, families and audiences, and praised the high standard of competition.

The success of the eisteddfod was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Northern Inland Credit Union, Santos, Whitehaven, Cotton Seed Distributors, Civeo, Narrabri Shire Council and Rotary.

Kingstyn McDonald, winner of the Kylie Shepherd Memorial award for dance.

Organisers also acknowledged the dedication of the committee members who spent countless hours planning the event, along with the commitment shown by teachers, students and parents whose efforts helped bring the eisteddfod to life.

Julie Roy and Rosie Davies, winner of the Noeline Wales Memorial award for music.

 

The committee thanked the Narrabri community for its continued support of the annual event and looks forward to welcoming performers and audiences back for another celebration of the arts in 2027.