Listed to sing in not one, two, three, four but five categories, Pacific Palms’ Jacob came away with an award in every event despite only taking up singing lessons late last year.

“It was the first time he had ever sung in front of people who weren’t friends or family, but he came away with a second in his first event and his confidence went up from there,” his proud mother Bronwyn said.

Jacob gained two firsts, a second, a third and a Highly Commended in the Vocal section but as they say, it’s not over until the 10-year-old sings. He will round it all off this Saturday when he sings ‘I won’t grow up’ from Peter Pan in the Eisteddfod’s Grand Concert, featuring 30 of this year’s best performers.

Jacob joins another three young locals who have been selected from hundreds of competitors for the event’s final performance. These include regular Great Lakes Concert Band player and Anzac Last Post bugler Nic Parsons who will perform Minnie the Moocher on his trumpet. Nic won ‘Most Promising Instrumentalist’ in the instrumental / electric solo section.

Thirteen-year-old Antonia Amato from Tuncurry will also perform after receiving a first in the Restricted Piano Solo, 14 Years and Under section, a third in the Intermediate Piano Championship, 16 Years and Under Section and the Intermediate Encouragement Award. Having taken up the piano when she was 6-years-old, she will play the well-known piece Fur Elise.

Diamond Beach’s Keegan Gibson is also on the night’s program after winning the Senior Instrumental Championship. He will play 'Ocean' with his acoustic guitar and stomp box.

Run by volunteers, the annual Taree and District Eisteddfod has become one of the biggest in the country and lasts for almost seven weeks. 

The Gala Grand Concert is on this Saturday from 7pm at the Manning Entertainment Centre. Bookings are online at www.themec.com.au; the MEC office on 6592 5466; Stockland Forster information desk; at the MEC.