The standard of this year’s competitors invited to perform was very impressive and I have no doubt the performances at the afternoon concert were at the same level. 

The fact they make what they do look easy is a testament to the hard work, dedication and regular practice they put in – because we all know that for the majority of people it doesn’t come easy.

Take tap dancer Kayley Maggs (pictured) for example, who danced to Mumbo No 5. Her taps were clear and concise and perfectly timed to the rhythm of the song, and the rest of her performance was spot on too.

Then there were brothers Mitchell and Riley Brown. Sure, they come from a musical family (their parents are Tanya and Trevor Brown from Bass’n’Blues), but they also put in a huge amount of effort and practice to bring their performances up to an exceptional level. Not only that, but they are multi-instrumentalists with Riley performing on piano in the afternoon concert and then clarinet in the evening, while for Mitchell it was clarinet in the afternoon and piano in the evening.

Full credit too to all the teachers, parents and carers and others who support and encourage all eisteddfod entrants.

The standard seems to rise year after year.

The 50^th anniversary concerts were made all the more special with former Roma Liggins Perpetual Scholarship winners; pianist Andrew Chubb, vocalist Nyssa Milligan, guitarist Keegan Gibson and dancer Kye Maurer invited back to perform.

Last year’s winner, guitarist Keegan Gibson, gave an incredible rendition of Classical Gas in the evening, and Guitar Boogie in the afternoon. Both were Tommy Emmanuel arrangements. His skills and talent, and the speed at which he could play, while still only 16, was mesmerising.

Another talented musician was on stage more than any other at either concert. Pianist Don Secomb appeared no less than 10 times as an accompanist for singers and other musicians, offering his own time to prepare and rehearse with each performer as well. Congratulations to concert co-ordinator Gillian Herbert, the eisteddfod committee and everyone involved. My only disappointment was there wasn’t more people in the audience to see it.