‘Bigger than Ben Hur!’ All the colour and excitement of the dance competitions at the Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod, which kicks off again from 2 August. Photo: Supplied.
Border celebrities and prominent identities will go head-to-head in a hotly contested debate that “Albury is better than Wodonga” at the twin cities’ upcoming eisteddfod.
Albury will be represented by Father Peter Macleod-Miller, councillor Kylie King and Business Connect’s Glen Robinson, while Team Wodonga will be out to prove they are no “struggle town” with councillor Cassie Aldridge, independent community candidate for Benambra, Dr Lachie McKeeman, and Business Wodonga’s Graham Jenkin.
Heralded as the “debate that divides the border”, the fundraiser to support the schools debating competition will be held from 4:30 pm on Sunday 26 July at the Public House, Albury.
Debate organiser Bridget Hosking said the debate aimed to raise the profile of this year’s Albury-Wodonga Eisteddfod, which runs 2 – 13 August, and includes dance, music, speech and drama, debating and highland dance.
More than 4000 talented young musicians and dancers are set to perform across seven Border venues due to current refurbishment works at the Albury Entertainment Centre Convention Wing.
Eisteddfod music co-ordinator and past performer Helena Kernaghan said the annual event was enjoying a huge resurgence and public confidence in live performance was increasing in the region.
“I think it’s got a lot to do with the live experience of the entertainment – no screen will replace it,” Ms Kernaghan said.
“Young competitors are preparing for real-world interaction and performance experience – it’s an opportunity to build skills, confidence and be inspired by other kids of their age.”
This is Ms Kernaghan’s second year in the role of music co-ordinator and she holds fond memories of performing in the event during the 80s and 90s.
“After COVID, performing arts took a bit of a knock and numbers were low,” she said.
“This year we’ve got thousands of entries and it’s very much on an upward trajectory. The dance sections are bigger than Ben Hur!
“The committee is indebted to the many volunteers who help underpin this major cultural event for the Albury-Wodonga community.”
Border audiences will also be invited to join music adjudicator Gillian Wills for the launch of her memoir, Elvis and Me: How a world-weary musician and a broken racehorse rescued each other, from 5:30 pm on 5 August at Booktique in AMP Lane, Albury. The launch will feature a cameo performance by local Elvis Presley tribute singer, Col T Jackson.
The eisteddfod program will kick off on Sunday 2 August with dance at the Albury Entertainment Centre and concludes on Thursday 13 August with school troupes.
Novice and open dancers will compete in jazz, Broadway jazz, neo-classical ballet, lyrical, musical theatre, tap, contemporary and hip hop/funk.
Across the highland dancing, there are categories for primary, intermediate, beginner, novice, premier, and open own choreography, with the judge’s choice for pre-premier and premier receiving cash prizes.
Musicians will compete across piano, string, and instrumental and vocal solos, duets and trios, alongside school vocal, choirs, bands and instrumental groups for Kindergarten to Year 12. Speech and drama entrants will vie for junior scholarship and Commercial Club senior scholarship cash prizes.
Ms Kernaghan said music sections would be spread across venues including The JAZZ Basement on the Lincoln Causeway, the ballroom at Adamshurst Albury, The Cube Wodonga and Galvin Hall at Wodonga Senior Secondary College.
For the full list of venues, session dates and to book tickets online, go to the eisteddfod website or buy tickets for the debate ($45 with canapes on arrival) here.
