The event began with the speech and drama sections at Orange Function Centre, which will eventually feature more than 600 entries.

Tuesday saw the 9-year-old and 10-year-old soloists test their skills.

Orange's Dorothy Grounds won the point score for the 9-years and under category.

Bathurst's Maggie Rosewarne was the 10-years and under point score winner.

Orange's Xavier Duncan received the most-promising award.

Bathurst's Neel Shah received the encouragement award.

Orange's Alice O'Neill-Sholte was the 11-years and under point score winner.

Eisteddfod committee member Meredie Wright said the participants had all been very well prepared and quite excited about the competition.

"The adjudicator Robyn Christmas from Tamworth was very impressed with the calibre of the performances," she said.

The dance sections will start on August 11 at Orange Civic Theatre, with the school group sections held at Orange Function Centre on August 16.

The vocal and instrumental sections will start on August 25 at Orange Regional Conservatorium.