The Balaklava Eisteddfod Society endeavours to:

~ have sections for activities popular in the region
~ have sections for levels of attainment from beginners to advanced
~ be encouraging in spirit, within a supportive environment
~ be designed largely by local teachers and professionals
~ be inexpensive for participants and audiences
~ be reviewed & adjusted to ensure it continues to serve the best interests of the region.

After preliminary discussions in 1995 regarding the possibility of holding annual Eisteddfod competitions, a Steering Committee of comprising of Pam Uppill, Jo May and Sally Cowan held a meeting on 17 January 1996 to collate information on holding Eisteddfod competitions. This was widely researched by Pam Uppill, John Neck and Di Spence.

This information was presented at a well-received public meeting on 3 July 1996, to gauge public support for the establishment of an Eisteddfod competition as an annual event in Balaklava. Audrey Lees and Jackie Cook of the Adelaide Eisteddfod Society and Kate Jenkin from the SA Country Arts Trust attended the meeting and provided valuable information and input. It was passed at that meeting that the Balaklava Eisteddfod Society be formed as a sub-committee of Balaklava Community Arts Inc.

The easily recognised logo adopted is a modified version of the logo designed by Mark Nolan. The Balaklava Eisteddfod Society was established in 1997 with the first Balaklava Eisteddfod competitions being held on 24, 25 & 26 October 1997.

A public meeting to formalize the Balaklava Eisteddfod Society was held on 20 November 1997, with Di Spence elected as Chairperson, Bronwyn Cottle as Vice-Chairperson, Jo May as Secretary and Margaret Baker as Treasurer. The Balaklava Eisteddfod Society will remain as a sub-committee of Balaklava Community Arts Inc. until such time as it can become viably independent.

As a part of the Eisteddfod Competitions, the Battle of the Bands was introduced in 1998 with Bronwyn Cottle as Coordinator and ran in 1998, 1999 and 2000. The Battle of the Bands logo was designed Glenys Tiller. The Battle of the Bands proved very successful and popular when it was run. The committee reviews the viability of each section of the Eisteddfod competitions (including the Battle of the Bands) each year and adjusts the program accordingly.

The Grand Piano Fund was launched at the 2000 Eisteddfod, & fundrasing took place over the next 4 years.

The purchase was finally made in October 2004 and a concert was held to showcase the new acquisition, exactly 7 years to the day that a Grand Piano was last on the Balaklava Town Hall stage, when one was hired for the Inaugural Balaklava Eisteddfod!

THE GRAND PIANO DREAM FINALLY BECAME A REALITY IN OCTOBER 2004!

After 4 years of fundraising, the Grand Piano has finally arrived. Click the picture to the left to read about the new Grand Piano purchased in October 2004.

A concert was held exactly 7 years to the day from the Inaugural Balaklava Eisteddfod Gala Concert, on 24th October 2004.

The Inaugural Balaklava Eisteddfod (24th, 25th & 26th October 1997), was the last time a Grand Piano was on the Balaklava Town Hall stage, when it was hired for the occassion!