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RETRO: Looking back - remembering the sights and sounds of Kettering Eisteddfod

The Eisteddfod was an annual event for more than 100 years

Kettering & District Eisteddfod was an annual staple of the arts and culture calendar for more than 100 years, with children and adults competing for prizes.

In 2018, the final Eisteddfod took place, 109 years since it first took place an event organised by the Sunday School Union.

Content remained largely unchanged with performers of all ages battle for trophies, shields and certificates across the disciplines of speech, drama, singing and instrumental music.

In the 1950s and 60s, there was a dance section but unfortunately this was dropped due to lack of entries.

The Eisteddfod saw competitions held at venues across the town centre with adjudications in hundreds of classes from solos to ensembles.

Kettering singer Faryl Smith famously swept the board at the age of ten in 2006, when she scooped 13 awards at the Eisteddfod for her singing prowess, the same year she won vocal solo class under 15s at the 60th Llangollen International Eisteddfod in Wales.

Content remained largely unchanged with performers of all ages battle for trophies, shields and certificates across the disciplines of speech, drama, singing and instrumental music.