An eisteddfod (plural eisteddfodau or eisteddfods) is a festival of performing arts, visual arts and literature. It is a Welsh tradition that dates back to at least the 12th century.

Townsville Eisteddfod is open to competitors up to the age of 18 years.

It is held annually in September. Entries are usually accepted between March and May.

In a typical year, more than 400 competitive events (called “Sections”) are held over 19 days. Altogether, these result in about 20,000 individual performances.