FEW would have traded places with this year’s Tenterfield Eisteddfod judges as competition was fierce across the six-day event.
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Pretty tutus, freshly shined shoes and floral headbands were mixed with melodies by Mozart and Bach.
An older and no less sprightly contingent had their own chance to showcase their flair.
Performers of all ages graced the School of Arts stage throughout the week in everything from piano to dance.
“It went very well – the adjudicators were delighted,” Quota secretary and organiser Fay McCowen said.
“Every section was very good and we had wonderful audiences. The judges have sent emails of how they enjoyed their experience of working with our children.
“They seemed to love the chance to work with children in more isolated areas,” she said.
Participant levels were close to record levels and Ms McCowen said visiting competitors loved their stay in Tenterfield.
The most pleasing element for Fay was the young talent on show.
“Some were branching out doing speech, dance and music… that’s talent,” she said.
The Tenterfield Eisteddfod has been a mainstay on the Tenterfield calendar since the early 80’s and has grown in reputation since.
Participants travelled from as far away as Brisbane and Coffs Harbour to take part.
Closer to home and Sir Henry Parkes Memorial Public School teacher Sue Bailey said she was thrilled with her students.
“It took weeks of practicing and coordinating the whole thing.
“In the beginning we had some saying ‘no way were they doing it’ but they quickly changed their minds.
“I told them it was a life skill and a valuable thing to do. They learnt confidence, learnt how to take criticism and feedback and learnt how to be gracious winners and losers – and we’re so proud,” Ms Bailey said.
St Joseph’s Tenterfield principal Cherie Yates said the Eisteddfod is “an old art form that is so current in our syllabus”.
“I think it was a wonderful experience for all the kids who took part,” she said.