Tamworth Eisteddfod 2019 photos: Stalwart Jan Morris retires after years volunteering

This year big names in entertainment drew crowds and competitors from all over the state.

But the biggest name president Chris Jackson will be sad to see go is Jan Morris.

"One of the things I wanted to mention is to recognise the dedication and commitment of our volunteer Jan Morris," he said.

"She's retiring this year and she's been a stalwart in the speech and drama and has a real passion for it.

"So we're looking for someone who might like to take that daunting role on for 2020."

This year sponsorship and support meant the Tamworth Eisteddfod committee could offer higher value prizes that attracted more dance entries.

Jeep Management's PJ Clarke adjudicated the eisteddfod and provided constructive criticism for the children to work on, especially with those he felt could go further under the right instruction.

Every year the talent keeps getting better, Mr Jackson said.

"I'm surprised every year with the talent of the children, their philosophy, drive, determination and support of one another.

Read also:

"It's really heartening to see children when they watch fellow competitors perform to congratulate them and there's no animosity whatsoever, it's an ethos and it's inclusive."

The huge event wrapped up on Friday night with fan-favourite the mature performance, where competitors entered anything from telling a tall story to an instrumental solo.

Want more local news? Subscribe to the Leader to read it here first