Eisteddfod goes online

Organisers of a 2021 Wimmera Music Eisteddfod cancelled because of a statewide COVID-19 lockdown will instead present a scaled-down online event on August 8.

Group spokeswoman Venetia Elbournehobbs said the committee was ‘extremely’ disappointed the lockdown had forced the cancellation of last week’s eisteddfod.

“Our ideal would have been to reschedule the full event, but due to the logistical challenges of re-booking our adjudicator, accompanist and the venue, it just wasn’t possible,” she said.

“The committee has worked tirelessly to put together an event that would have been our biggest and most supported eisteddfod yet.”

Mrs Elbourne-hobbs said many unknowns surrounding restrictions coming out of lockdown made it difficult for groups involved in performance events to plan ahead.

She said rather than risk the event being cancelled again or having no audience, the committee had instead opted for an online event.

“We are planning to host an Eisteddfod Showcase on Sunday, August 8 for any competitors who wish to be involved,” she said.

“This will essentially be an online concert, which will be available to view by competitors and their families.

“While this isn’t the ideal, it’s something that we can do in lockdown to give competitors the chance to perform what they have been working on.”