The
Eisteddfod was founded in 1946, following a small event in 1945
to raise funds for the Congregational Church (which was opposite
Wadworth's Brewery). It was started by the late Ray Smith (uncle
of the current patron Simon May) who remained as Secretary/Director
until 1970. It proved such a success that it became an annual
event, held in halls in Devizes including the Town Hall and The
Corn Exchange.
Michael
Oliver then took over as Director and the event grew more and
more successful, eventually moving to Devizes School. Another
chapter was written when, in 1995, the Eisteddfod was taken over
by Dauntsey's School at West Lavington under the Directorship
of Chris Thompson, the School's Director of Music.
In
1988, the Jazz star Jamie Cullum won a piano solo in the U10 section
- and our Patron, Simon May, won an U10 piano duet in 1953. Lists
of previous winners can be found through the programme
page.
There
was no Eisteddfod in 2004 but the competition resumed in 2005
in Devizes under the Directorship of Ken Morrison. Frank Shipway
takes over from 2010.