The Ararat Eisteddfod has successfully returned to Ararat Town Hall, with dance competitors enjoying one of their first opportunities to perform in more than a year.
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The event was initially going to be held in September 2020 but was postponed due to COVID-19.
Ararat Eisteddfod organiser Chris Harris said while COVID-19 restrictions had made run the event a more arduous task, it had undoubtedly been worthwhile.
"Yesterday (Tuesday, April 13) was a fabulous day with the Under 6, Under 8, and Under 10s," she said.
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"It's taken more work, but yesterday we all went home on a high. Everyone was so appreciative; we had so many parents and grandparents who said, 'thank you very much; this is what we've been hanging out for over 12 months.'
"It was reward enough for us to see the smiles on the kids faces and teachers and parents faces."
The Eisteddfod's opened with performances from its youngest competitors on Tuesday, April 13. The event will progress through the age categories, concluding with the Open age category on Saturday, April 17.
In addition to the local competitors, participants come from across the state, including Ballarat, Hamilton, Bendigo, Melbourne, Torquay, and Geelong.
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The Eisteddfod capped its entries due to COVID-19 restrictions. But Ms Harris said she is optimistic the event will be back to full capacity when it returns later in 2021.
"It's been good as we've been able to trial our COVID-safe protocols. But hopefully, we'll be back to full capacity in September."
People can attend the Eisteddfod following the state government's announcement that density quotas would be lifted.
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