1891
The first Grand Annual Competition is held in Ballarat at the Skipton Hall under the auspices of the South Street Young Men’s Debating Society and attracts 260 entries competing in…
Read More1892
Following the success of the first competition, entries double and competitors vie for honours in music, poetry, literature and criticism in front of over 1000 people who crowded into Skipton…
Read More1893
First Monday night Peoples Concert held in Skipton Hall
Read More1894
The first discussion around amalgamating East and West Ballarat get under way and becomes a South Street competition essay subject around ‘the best practical schemes to that end.’ It would…
Read More1896
The popularity of South Street reaches new heights and the need to accommodate 800 entries sees the competitions move to a larger venue, the Academy of Music (now Her Majesty’s).…
Read More1897
The first of the choral contests are introduced to the competitions and won by the Barkly Street Wesleyan Choir.
Read More1898
As the Eisteddfod grows, three halls are needed to cater for the overwhelming interest in the competitions. Soprano Amy Castle’s vocal success at South Street soon sees the young singer…
Read More1899
Entries pour in from interstate with upwards of 200 competitors taking part and the Eisteddfod is extended to more than five weeks to accommodate strong public interest and more than…
Read More1900
The first Painting and Brass Band Competitions are introduced, with 15,000 people making their way to City Oval to watch the closing of the Band Contest. The band competitions prove…
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The Victorian Band Association is formed to manage the overwhelming interest in the Band contests, and thousands of avid South Street supporters travel by stream train from Melbourne to Ballarat…
Read More1902
Peter Dawson wins the Bass Solo section in South Street’s Senior Vocal Contest and goes onto international fame, singing at Covent Garden and touring Australia with another South Street diva,…
Read More1902
Crowds line Lydiard Street to witness the return of Dame Nellie Melba from Europe, while the well-heeled were fortunate enough to purchase tickets attend her performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
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