Eisteddfod's cast of thousands
THE performances have been polished, the stage has been swept and the judges are ready to watch the city's talented youth competing in the Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod.
The 53rd annual eisteddfod starts today and runs to July 5, with 2900 performances starring 5000 dancers, singers, actors and poets.
Organiser Ashley Fergus said this year's eisteddfod had attracted 100 more performances than last year, creating an extra day on the already full schedule.
"There are new sections of dancing, speech and drama and music," Mr Fergus said.
Mr Fergus said the colourful and entertaining event had attracted performers aged three to 18 from as far away as Townsville, the Tableland and Torres Strait.
Events will be held at the Cairns Civic Theatre, the Cairns Junior Eisteddfod Hall and the Cairns Choral Society Hall. Tickets for each session are available at the door or from Ticketlink.
To volunteer for backstage work or to act as an usher, phone Noelene Rees on 4054 7220.
Share this article
Drama: Smithfield High School students rehearse the zombie dance. (From left) Jess Dawson, Danielle Mangano, James Elmer, Molly Rees and (front) Ying-sun Li.
New Jetstar flights between Cairns and Osaka
THE re-introduction of Jetstar's four weekly direct services to Osaka in Japan and a doubling of flights to Melbourne from April 1 next year are the first significant announcements today by the airline as the result of a new agreement with Cairns Airport.
Kate earns National Pride Medal
INSPIRING young leader and cancer survivor Kate Smith could hardly believe she won a national Pride of Australia medal last night.
Abbott wins in leadership spill
BREAKING NEWS: Tony Abbott is the new Opposition Leader.
Escapee back in custody
BREAKING NEWS: Police have found a man who escaped from police custody at Ravenshoe on Sunday night.
Woman watched boyfriend bash, strip tourist
THE girlfriend of a man accused of raping and attempting to rape two foreign tourists at a Cairns caravan park says she watched him bash and strip one of them then chase after her.





















