Entries are now open for the Paarl Valley Eisteddfod festival and competition, which turns 30 this year and celebrates their 2026 event with a new category for free reed instruments including accordion, concertina, harmonica, bandoneon, harmonium and melodica.

Accordion categories will be available in a variety of age groups for novices, baroque/classical/romantic, tango/jazz, modern/contemporary, own choice and own composition. Soloists and ensembles are also welcome.

The competition includes live in-person and virtual (video) sections.

Categories:

• Juniors (6–12)
• Youth (13–17)
• Open (18+)

The live competition edition will be held from August 1st to 31st, 2026 at various schools in Southern and Northern Suburbs.

The virtual edition is only open to schools outside a 100km radius of Paarl.

Entry closing date: May 29th, 2026

Download competition rules and information here: 2026Eisteddfod.pdf