Stage Set for 42nd Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod

Layla Pavone, Winner of last year’s “Music Award.” Photo supplied

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The Burdekin is poised for its annual fixing of youthful artistry early next month, with the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, its hallmark youth arts showcase, set to welcome more than 2,000 young performers to the Burdekin Theatre.

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Now in its 42nd year, the Eisteddfod has grown into one of North Queensland’s most significant platforms for emerging talent, attracting competitors from across the region in a friendly but highly competitive environment.

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Due to increased entries, the 2026 program will begin earlier than usual, running from Tuesday 5 May across multiple disciplines. Dance will open proceedings from 5–10 May, followed by music from 11–13 May, and speech and drama from 14–15 May.

Art, literature and photography entries will be displayed in the theatre foyer from the opening day, with adjudication handled by Chiara Oar for photography, the Burdekin Art Society for visual art, and Christopher Trikilis overseeing music and speech. Dance will be adjudicated by Kate Histon.

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The programme will continue with Highland on Saturday 16 May under Lynette McAtee, and Irish dance on Sunday 17 May under Gerard Carroll, rounding out a week-long celebration of performance and tradition.

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Winners across categories will be recognised at the presentation of trophies in the theatre auditorium on Friday 15 May at 5.30pm, with a gold coin donation welcomed at entry.

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Programmes are now available from Worklocker Burdekin for $16.

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