Organisers are pleased with the number of entries for the coming 2023 Mount Gambier Eisteddfod, despite one less competition division.

Backstage Incorporated secretary Maxine Chalinor OAM said after COVID there was a noticeable drop off in numbers.

“The schools were all reporting they had lost a lot of students during lockdown,” she said.

“Although most offered classes via online, many students could not adjust to it and teachers also said it was far from satisfactory.”

Ms Chalinor said this year’s dance section was back to a five day competition, albeit with some shorter days due to the high number of younger competitors who cannot be put on stage at later time slots.

The dance competition will run from July 11-16 at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, with calisthenics to follow from July 19-22.

“The Eisteddfod then moves to the Wehl Street Community Theatre where the competition will continue with choral and vocal, speech and drama and music over the following two weeks,” Ms Chalinor said.

“Always a crowd favourite is the 6 years and Under recitation (Nursery Rhymes in Costume) with students from Melaleuca and Glenburnie.

“We also welcome to the eisteddfod Big W who are this year sponsoring the prizes for these young students, with each competitor receiving a book.”

With the exception of the closed workshops for dance scholarships, all sessions of the Mount Gambier Eisteddfod are open to the public.

Session times range from two to four hours but the audience can come and go as they please.

Tickets are available at the door at both venues.