The last time Sydney Eisteddfod had to be cancelled was during World War II. But this year, like other performing arts events around the world, the not-for-profit competitive performing arts festival, founded in 1933, will not be able to go ahead due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead, it is presenting an online competition for singers, musicians, dancers and actors around the world. The Crowd Favourite Performances Competition will offer four prizes of $1000 chosen by an audience vote, and four awards of $500 selected by a jury of industry professionals. Individual submissions as well as duo and group entries are welcomed, as long as COVID-19 restrictions are complied with during recording sessions.

Speaking to Limelight, Sydney Eisteddfod CEO Piroozi Desai-Keane says: “With so many people in isolation and feeling lonely, and depression being a major issue in our community these days, our Board and Staff felt that we needed to keep in touch with our talented young performing artists and give them the opportunity to keep honing their skills and feel part of the bigger picture, albeit in a virtual world. This offer from Sydney Eisteddfod of an online competition, Crowd Favourite Performances, is our way to keep these artists engaged...