To celebrate its 131st competition, the Queensland Eisteddfod will return north to Rockhampton over the 2026 Easter long weekend (April 3-5). As with previous visits to the northernmost location in our eisteddfod circuit, the competition will be based out of the Pilbeam Theatre, with some items also being held in the Walter Reid Cultural Centre.
Entries for this competition are now open! The Schedule of Events — including items in Choral, Vocal, Instrumental, and Speech & Drama disciplines — is available here:
Schedule of Events – 131st Queensland Eisteddfod, Rockhampton 2026
Entries close on Friday, 16 January 2026, however late entries will be accepted until Friday, 23 January 2026 at double the standard entry fee.
Please complete the online entry forms if possible, at the following links:
Choral Entry Form (Items 101 to 120)
Vocal, Instrumental, and Speech & Drama Entry Form (Items 121 to 360)
You should receive a confirmation email following submission of the form. For those unable to use these online forms for whatever reason, a “manual” form for submission by email or post is available at the end of the Schedule document.
For further information regarding the 2026 Eisteddfod, please contact the committee at 2026@queenslandeisteddfod.org.au.
Rockhampton first hosted the Queensland Eisteddfod for the 40th competition in 1929, with the Rockhampton Musical Union having competed since 1926 and remaining staunch supporters to this day. Since then, our competition has returned north ten times, most recently in 2013, when choirs from the North Queensland Eisteddfod joined the competition.
Choral set pieces
In preparation for the opening of entries, choirs please note the following set pieces for 2026. Note that the set pieces for Items 101, 104 and 105 are all accompanied this year.
101 – Chief Choral Contest
Blow ye the trumpet by Kirke Mechem (G. Schirmer HL.50481534, SATB)
Available in hard copy via Hal Leonard, Sheet Music Plus, and other online retailers.
Previously a set piece in 2004 (Rockhampton).
102 – Grand Madrigal Contest
I Languish to Complain Me by John Bennet (SATB; key/notes/underlay to match Novello & Co. ed. Lionel Benson)
Reference copy available on IMSLP. Available for free download from CPDL (James Gibb and Stuart McIntosh editions verified).
Previously a set piece in 2008 (Bundaberg).
104 – Choral Contest – Soprano and Alto Voices
The Snow, Op.26, No.1, by Edward Elgar (Novello & Co., SSA)
Available for digital download for free from IMSLP, or for purchase from Alfred Music plus other online retailers.
Previously a set piece in 2014 (Sunshine Coast).
105 – Choral Contest – Tenor and Bass Voices
The Cloths of Heaven by Z. Randall Stroope (Colla Voce Music 48-96760, TTBB)
Available in hard copy via JW Pepper, Sheet Music Plus, and other online retailers.
Previously a set piece in 2012 (Ipswich).
116 – Intermediate Choral Contest
Homeward Bound by Marta Keen, arr. Jay Althouse (Alfred Publishing Co. 7846, SSA or 16209, SAB)
Available for digital download or hard copy via Alfred Music, JW Pepper, and other online retailers.
Previously a set piece in 2016 (Toowoomba).
117 – Junior Choral Contest
Humpty Dumpty by Dave and Jean Perry (Alfred Publishing Co. 28546, 2-Part)
Available for digital download via Alfred Music, digital download or hard copy via JW Pepper, and other online retailers.
Previously a set piece in 2014 (Sunshine Coast).
