ENTERTAINMENT The Lower Clarence Music Eisteddfod is in Full Swing.

A new performance space at the River Rooms in River Street, Maclean is the venue for 2023 Lower Clarence Music Eisteddfod which commenced on Saturday 17th June. President, Mr Doug Towner, speaking for the organising committee, said that this is the biggest yet since it started in 2012. Over 613 performances are scheduled for this week - long festival of music. Entrants are coming from the North Coast Region down to the Coffs Harbour area and one of our regulars from Brisbane is returning to perform. Because of the increase in numbers the eisteddfod has scheduled an extra three evenings of evaluation on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. This is a frst.

On Saturday 24th June the eisteddfod will conclude with the Championship events and a Celebration Concert commencing at 2pm. With over $5,000 in prizemoney on offer, the committee makes a big effort to reward and encourage the musical skills and talents of our young people and even adults in their pursuit of musical excellence.

Not to forget the Speech and Drama sections of the eisteddfod which will be presented on Friday June 23rd.

The adjudicator Mrs Sabina Turner from Sydney was welcomed to the eisteddfod last Saturday and has already given strong praise to the performers for their high standards of musical performance.

Mrs Turner said that it is a credit to the teachers and parents of the region for guiding and encouraging such diverse and talented musicians.

Strong support from our service and sporting clubs along with local businesses, individuals and the Clarence Valley Council is especially welcomed and valued. Donations and sponsorships are directly returned through the eisteddfod to our community.

Morning Sessions commence at 9.30am, afternoon Sessions at 1.30pm and evening Sessions commence at 6.30pm. For a small entrance fee of $5 for adults (children are free) a wealth of musical enjoyment awaits the audiences.

The Saturday afternoon

Celebration Concert on June 24 starting at 2pm has an entry fee of $8.00 for adults and again children are free.

All are welcome to come along, enjoy, and support the fne young musicians performing at the Lower Clarence Music Eisteddfod.