Celebrating Performing Arts Across the Mid North Coast
Providing young performers with opportunities to compete, grow in confidence and celebrate their talents through Dance and Speech & Drama.
TAKE THE STAGE
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BUILD CONFIDENCE
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CELEBRATE PERFORMANCE
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CREATE CONNECTIONS
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SHINE BRIGHT
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TAKE THE STAGE · BUILD CONFIDENCE · CELEBRATE PERFORMANCE · CREATE CONNECTIONS · SHINE BRIGHT ·
Over 45 Years of Supporting Young Performers
Established in 1979, the Port Macquarie & District Eisteddfod Society (PMDES) has spent the last 3 decades fostering and encouraging young people from the Mid North Coast and beyond in their chosen field of performing arts. We are a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation, and currently offer annual Dance and Speech & Drama eisteddfods.
Dance Eisteddfod
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A Premier Regional Dance Eisteddfod
The Port Macquarie & District Dance Eisteddfod (PMDDE) is a premier regional eisteddfod, held annually in the September school holidays, spanning across two brilliant venues, the Glasshouse Theatre and The Iona Performing Arts Centre.
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Competition for Every Performer
The PMDDE offers competition opportunities for Dance Studios, Educational Schools, Soloists & Duo/Trio Dancers. Our group event features age categories from 4 years/under to Open Age, across 11 styles of dance.
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Styles, Sections & Skill Levels
Wwe offer Small Group sections across Jazz, Lyrical & Contemporary styles. Our solo event offers 3 categories of Novice, Intermediate & Open, celebrating dancers of all levels. We offer solo, improvisation, championship and scholarship sections.
Speech & Drama Eisteddfod
The Port Macquarie & District Speech & Drama Eisteddfod (PMDSDE) offers a friendly, community-based platform for students to demonstrate their reading, speaking, and dramatic talents. Participation in the Eisteddfod is an excellent opportunity for all children on the Mid North Coast, and beyond, to build their confidence and showcase their creativity.
We provide an inclusive, supportive environment, organised and run by a dedicated group of volunteers. Performers can compete in individual solos, or as part of Duos/Trios and Groups.
Help Bring Music Back to the Stage
The Port Macquarie & District Eisteddfod Society is looking for passionate individuals interested in helping bring our Music Eisteddfod back to the community. If you’re interested in leading the Music Eisteddfod and supporting performance opportunities for local musicians, we’d love to hear from you.
More Than a Competition
Eisteddfods offer young performers so much more than the opportunity to compete. Through performance, connection and professional feedback, participants can build confidence, develop valuable skills and create rewarding experiences both on and off the stage.
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Build Skills & Confidence
Performing arts eisteddfods are highly rewarding for children and young people of all ages, and offer fundamental skill development and achievement, beyond the prize money, trophies, medallions, and ribbons you may take home.
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Connect & Grow
Entrants gain performance opportunities whilst enjoying the rewards of their ongoing discipline, resilience and perseverance. They gain the opportunity to practice working in a team environment, building friendships within their team and beyond, whilst congratulating and admiring the success of those around them.
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Learn From Experience
Performers gain insight from new mentors, gaining constructive feedback and praise from professional and experienced adjudicators in a safe and friendly environment. We take pride in the professionalism, fairness, integrity and positive atmosphere that we bring to young performers across our region!
Ready to Take the Stage?
PMDES welcomes performers of all ages, from young children through to teenagers and adults. Eligibility and available sections vary between events, so be sure to check the latest syllabus for full entry details and follow the relevant Dance or Speech & Drama social pages for the latest event updates.
Dance Eisteddfod
Entries open 1 July each year, with the Eisteddfod held during the September school holidays.
Speech & Drama Eisteddfod
Entries open mid-year, with the Eisteddfod held annually in August.
Get Involved With PMDES
Our Eisteddfods are made possible by the passionate volunteers who give their time to create positive and rewarding experiences for performers across our community. Whether you’d like to volunteer at an event, gain valuable experience or become more involved with PMDES, we’d love to hear from you.
Proudly Supported by Our Community
Major Sponsors of our 2026 event include the Glasshouse Port Macquarie, St Columba Anglican School, Port Computing Solutions, Dance Dreams Dancewear, Port Trophies & Badges, Move Media, Ruins Cafe, & Relevé Dance Collective.
