Known as the platform of choice for many young performers, the National Eisteddfod of South Africa^®  takes culture to your doorstep with regional eisteddfod events where young (and not so young!) performers can experience the magic of the arts while singing, dancing, acting, playing and painting to their heart’s delight!

The National Eisteddfod of South Africa^® 

• promotes and encourage participation in the arts
• provides a powerful tool that builds self-confidence  and the courage to take a stand in this world 
• serves as a springboard to prepare talented performers for a career in the performing arts
• prides itself on giving young performers the sense of Ubuntu, a quality that embodies the universal bond of sharing and connecting communities.

The National Eisteddfod of South Africa®  is a registered trademark of the National Eisteddfod Academy NPC, who has since 1997 developed the tradition form of the Welsh music and poetry festival, eisteddfod, into a no-limitations platform. 

The  National Eisteddfod Academy (NEA) (Reg. No. 1997/003935/08) is a registered Non Profit Company (NPC) in terms of the Companies Act. No. 71 of 2004 (as amended).

National Eisteddfod

The annual National Eisteddfod of South Africa^® is presented in various regions during August – October.  Regional National Eisteddfod events consists of adjudicated sessions where any performers can participate in the following categories:

• Speech and drama
• Dance
• Classical and crossover music (vocal and instrumental)
• Contemporary music (vocal and instrumental)
• Fine art
• Learners with different abilities

National Eisteddfod events are aimed at developing young performers through the adjudication and a mentoring process that involve both teacher and parent. This experience allows teachers and parents the opportunity to guide participants to deal with success and failure within a safe and child-centered environment.

Regional eisteddfod events are presented within rural and urban communities in various provinces in South Africa and even accross our borders.  Participants that receive diploma awards for their performances  in the regional National Eisteddfod events, qualify to be invited to compete in the annual Young Performer Awards Competition that is proudly presented annually by the National Eisteddfod Academy.

For more information on how to participate in the annual National Eisteddfod events click here.

Showcase events

The National Eisteddfod’s showcase events are presented in various regions and celebrate the top performers on a regional level.  A selection of top achievers in each region of the National Eisteddfod are invited to perform at a formal Showcase. Various item, category and other regional top achievers are also acknowledged at these events with special certificates and awards.

These showcase events are a highlight in the National Eisteddfod of South Africa’s annual calendar.  We often enjoy sold-out theatres where our young performers are celebrated by family and general public.

To see when the next Showcase event is in your area download our annual programme here...

Young Performer Awards Competition

The NEA Young Performer Awards competition is known as the most prestigious event of its kind in South Africa.  This competition expect skills, knowledge and understanding that are exceptionally high.  The Young Performer Awards Competition is presented over four elimination rounds.

Read more about this competition  here…

Young Artist Award Competition

The Young Artist Award Competition, launched in 2013 provides an opportunity for top achievers in the Creative Arts.

Read more about the Young Artist Awards Competition here