Australia’s Oldest Eisteddfod Launches 2026 Season in Ballarat

THE Royal South Street Society (RSSS) has officially launched the 2026 RSSS Ballarat Eisteddfod season, celebrating one of Australia’s oldest and most respected performing arts events and marking the beginning of six months of artistic excellence across Ballarat.

The season opens with a showcase of outstanding music performances at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute between 13 June and 30 June, featuring Pianoforte, Junior and Senior Chopin, Vocal, Herald Sun Aria and Instrumental Solos.

These events will bring together emerging and established performers from across Victoria and beyond, competing and performing in one of the nation’s most prestigious eisteddfod programs.

A highlight of the opening program will be the internationally recognised Herald Sun Aria, which continues to provide a pathway for Australia’s finest young classical singers, alongside the celebrated Junior and Senior Chopin Competitions, renowned for attracting exceptional pianists.

The 2026 season continues throughout the year with:

• Instrumental and Choirs at Founders Theatre and Debating, Speech, Drama and Comedy at Australian Catholic University (ACU) in August

• All Abilities Performing Arts at Ballarat Specialist School and Dance at Her Majesty’sTheatre in September

• Calisthenics throughout October

The season will also feature a series of premier showcase events that represent the pinnacle of performance across multiple disciplines, including:

• Junior and Senior Chopin Finals on 20 & 21 June

• Herald Sun Aria Semi Final on 29 June

• Dance Championships on 02 & 03 September

• Calisthenics Solo Championships 09 & 10 October

• CountPro Showcase Concert on 26 October

Royal South Street Society Chief Executive Officer Judy-Ann Quilliam said the Ballarat Eisteddfod continues to play a vital role in nurturing artistic excellence while contributing significantly to the region’s cultural life and visitor economy.

“For more than 135 years, the RSSS Ballarat Eisteddfod has provided a platform where performers can develop their skills, build confidence and pursue artistic excellence,” she said.

“Every year we welcome thousands of participants, families and visitors to Ballarat, creating an atmosphere of creativity, inspiration and community pride.

“From aspiring young musicians and singers to elite dancers, actors, debaters and calisthenics competitors, the 2026 season showcases the extraordinary breadth of talent that exists across our communities.”

The Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod is one of Australia’s largest and longest-running performing arts events, attracting performers from across the nation and providing invaluable performance and development opportunities for participants of all ages and abilities.

Community members are encouraged to attend throughout the season and experience the outstanding talent on display across Ballarat’s premier performance venues.

For programs, tickets and event information, visit royalsouthstreet.com.au

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