Talent shines bright at WA Eisteddfod

Filled with talent and boundless energy, the 57th WA Performing Arts Eisteddfod kicked off in style at Bunbury's Cube theatre on May 28.

Throughout June, audiences will be able to revel in the talent of hundreds of South West students as they compete in many different categories including pianoforte, dance and vocal.

The formal competition will also include, on June 19-20, a salute to the Anzac's centenary of landing at Gallipoli in World War I.

Eisteddfod president Myra Easton said she was pleased entry numbers had increased from last year and hoped all the performers enjoyed the experience of the Eisteddfod.

"We are pretty excited we have got to 57 years of fabulous performances and are looking forward to getting to 60," Mrs Easton said.

Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School student Morgan Halket opened the show with two solo pieces - _Not About Angels _by Birdy and epic Elton John ballad _Goodbye Yellow Brick Road _.

Miss Halket said she had been performing since two years of age and grew up with the Eisteddfod in her household.

"I first performed in the Eisteddfod when I was 11 - so I have been competing for 11 years now," Miss Halket said.

"The Eisteddfod is a comfortable environment to try new things around your peers."

This year's formal competition will finish on June 20 and a Gala Concert will be held on June 27 to officially close the event.