What is the City of Toowoomba Eisteddfod ?
The City of Toowoomba Eisteddfod was established in 1931 to show case literary, music and drama talents of the local community. The annual competition is held in two sessions, typically in May and July/August, and hosts hundreds of competitors across a broad range of age groups.  

The Literary Section
The page has been turned on a whole new chapter in the story of the Toowoomba Eisteddfod. In 2009, we are re-inventing the literary sections of this historical event, and while we can’t promise a Harry Potter blockbuster, we reckon there might just be a happily-ever-after ending. We seek the support of the local community to ensure that our children and adults are given a voice through writing - the only medium of communication which is truly accessible by everyone.  

Who can enter?
This year, things are much simpler for everyone with fewer categories, fewer age groups, and fewer restrictions.  

The three age groups are:
1.  Primary school children
2.  Secondary school children
3.  Open (18 years or over)  

The three sections in each age group are:
1.  Letter to the editor
2.  Poetry/prose
3.  Short story  

See the full Schedule of Competitions and Prizes on the eisteddfod web site for more information including word limits, entry fees and other requirements.

 Entries close on Monday 1 June, 2009.

 Judging and Prizes
This year there is more prize money, more chances for publicity, and more acknowledgement of this important element of the eisteddfod. We are offering a professional adjudicator to comment on student entries, the opportunity for a prize-winner to read his/her work on the Empire Theatre stage during the Closing Concert on 2 August, and publication in Toowoomba Chronicle and the anthology “A Child’s View” of some of the winning entries.

Cash prizes of up to $50 are awarded in the secondary school and open categories, with medals presented in the primary school sections.

To the teachers 
To make it work, we need the help of all schools across Toowoomba. We need teachers to encourage their students to take part, to make them aware of the opportunities and prizes on offer, and to use our competition to inspire a life-long love of writing.  

Please hang this poster in a common room where students and staff can see it. Please tell your classrooms about the eisteddfod. Please take the time to look through the initiatives for 2009.  

Most of all, please get involved. Tomorrow’s JK Rowling, Emily Rodda, Andy Griffiths or Stephenie Meyer will thank you for it.