OUR HISTORY
The WA Performing Arts Eisteddfod (Bunbury Eisteddfod) is a performing arts competition first held in Bunbury in 1914 and held annually since 1958. In 1958, the Bunbury Music Festival had 137 entrants performing at a small local hall. It was run by a small group of dedicated music teachers who wished to enhance their students’ capabilities and have them adjudicated by a professional adjudicator from outside the district.
Due to the growing amount of interest in the festival, the then committee changed the name to the City of Bunbury Eisteddfod Inc. The Eisteddfod was held in various venues around Bunbury and in 1991 moved to BREC
Photo: Date 30th June 1992 – South Western Times
The event continues to grow in participation and audience numbers, those residing not only in the greater Bunbury area, but many shires in the South West and, heading north, includes Mandurah and Perth. New schools and groups are coming on board each year as we offer their students a safe, family inclusive event where talent in the arts is acknowledged and encouraged.
The Eisteddfod has and will continue to provide opportunities for performers to showcase their talents. WAPAE is the largest Eisteddfod in Western Australia and is a proven asset to the City of Bunbury and South West Region.