Where talent
takes root
The Tygerberg International Eisteddfod — over 79 years of cultivating young artists across twelve disciplines. From classical strings to hip-hop, from ceramics to isiXhosa poetry.
Our Disciplines
Keyboard
Piano & Organ
Violin & Strings
Classical Strings
Wind
Flute, Clarinet, Recorder
Brass
Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba
Guitar
Classical & Contemporary
Orchestra
Ensemble Performance
Vocals
Solo, Duet & Choir
Hip Hop & Dance
Movement & Rhythm
Theatre & Drama
Monologue & Performance
Ceramics & Art
Sculpture & Exhibition
Photography
Visual Storytelling
isiXhosa
Poetry & Performance
2026 Journey
Affiliate
Schools register
Enter
Submit forms
Prepare
Rehearse & refine
Perform
August 2026
Celebrate
Awards & concert
The stage is set.
Registration is open to schools and individual performers across all twelve disciplines. Plant your flag in a tradition that has grown for nearly eight decades.
Register NowOur Story
The Tygerberg International Eisteddfod was established in 1947 by Mr Japie Cloete. It was initially known as the Tygerberg Northern Suburbs Eisteddfod. In later years the name was changed to Tygerberg Eisteddfod, and in 1999 it was decided to make it accessible for international participation — it was then renamed to become the Tygerberg International Eisteddfod (TIE).
In 2017, the eisteddfod celebrated its 70th anniversary under the name Jabulani — a Zulu word meaning “rejoice”. The winning name was submitted by Ms Rut Prinsloo, a teacher at Jan Kriel School. Jabulani captured the spirit of that milestone year perfectly: a celebration of talent, community, and the joy of performance.
Today, the eisteddfod is administered from Durbanville, Cape Town, serving schools and individual entrants across Southern Africa and beyond. From its humble beginnings as a regional competition, it has grown into one of the most respected platforms for young performing artists on the continent.
The eisteddfod runs annually, with entries typically opening in the first quarter of the year and performances, exhibitions, and prestige concerts taking place from August through September. Each year culminates in a series of Prestige Concerts and a Gala Choir Festival that showcase the finest talent.
Twelve Disciplines
The Tygerberg International Eisteddfod offers a comprehensive syllabus spanning twelve distinct categories. Each discipline is overseen by a dedicated convenor who ensures adjudication by qualified professionals. Participants receive detailed feedback designed to nurture growth and confidence.
Keyboard
Piano & Organ — solo and ensemble repertoire across graded levels from beginner to advanced.
Violin & Strings
Violin, viola, cello, and double bass — classical and contemporary works for soloists and small ensembles.
Wind
Flute, clarinet, recorder, and saxophone — from Baroque to modern repertoire.
Brass
Trumpet, trombone, French horn, and tuba — spanning orchestral and solo literature.
Guitar
Classical and contemporary guitar — solo, duet, and ensemble categories.
Orchestra
School and community orchestras — full ensemble adjudication with sectional feedback.
Vocals
Solo voice, duets, and choirs — art song, Lieder, opera, musical theatre, and contemporary.
Hip Hop & Dance
Choreographed and freestyle categories — solo, group, and crew formats across multiple styles.
Theatre & Drama
Monologue, duologue, and group scenes — dramatic and comedic works from classical to contemporary.
Ceramics & Art
Sculpture, pottery, drawing, and painting — exhibition-based adjudication with written critique.
Photography
Digital and print categories — thematic submissions judged on composition, technique, and narrative.
isiXhosa
Poetry recital and performance — celebrating one of South Africa's rich indigenous languages.
Events
Entry Forms Open
Entry forms for the current year's eisteddfod open. Schools and individual entrants can submit online via the registration portal.
Entry Forms Closing Date
Final deadline for all entries. Late submissions are only accepted at the discretion of the convenors.
Performance Season
The main eisteddfod season: adjudicated performances across all twelve disciplines at venues in and around Durbanville. Exact dates per category are published in the e-timetable.
Art & Ceramics Exhibition
A curated exhibition of the finest visual art and ceramic works submitted across all age categories. Open to the public.
Photography Exhibition
Selected photographic works from the eisteddfod competition on display. Categories include digital and print across junior and senior divisions.
Gala Choir Festival
The showcase choral event of the season. Top school and community choirs perform in a celebratory evening of vocal excellence.
Prestige Concerts
The crowning event of the eisteddfod. Outstanding performers selected by adjudicators across all categories are invited to perform. Online bookings open approximately one week prior.
2026 Timetable
We are pleased to announce that we are back to a full 2026 eisteddfod syllabus. After several years of adaptation, the Tygerberg International Eisteddfod returns with its complete programme of twelve disciplines, adjudicated by professional convenors.
How to Enter
To enter forms and affiliate your school, you need to register on the official site. Once registered, you can log in with your school email and password. Select “remember me” on the login dialog box to auto-login each time.
Entries and affiliations for 2026 are now closed. The administration thanks all participants and looks forward to seeing you at the performances.
Key Steps
1. Register — Create a school account on the official TIE portal.
2. Affiliate — Complete your school's annual affiliation.
3. Enter — Submit individual entry forms for each participant and category.
4. Prepare — Download the syllabus and e-timetable for your categories.
5. Perform — Attend your scheduled sessions and give it your all.
Meet the Convenors
Each section of the syllabus is overseen by a dedicated convenor — experienced professionals who ensure fair, constructive adjudication. We are progressively introducing each convenor; click through to the official site to see full profiles as they are added.
Piano / Klavier
Syllabus convenor for keyboard categories
Recorder / Blokfluit
Syllabus convenor for recorder categories
Drum Kit / BM Tromme
Syllabus convenor for percussion categories
Handwriting / Handskrif
Syllabus convenor for penmanship categories
Public Speaking
Openbare Redevoering & public speaking convenor
Keyboard / Klawerbord
Syllabus convenor for keyboard categories
Additional convenors for strings, wind, brass, guitar, orchestra, vocals, dance, theatre, art, photography, and isiXhosa are being added. Visit the official site for complete profiles.
Contact
Reach Us
Phone: +27 83 302 5501 (Local: 083 302 5501)
Email: eisted@iafrica.com
Address: Durbanville, Cape Town, 7500, South Africa
Registration
Access to the site and entry forms is by invitation. Schools must first register on the official portal to view the syllabus, submit entry forms, and manage their participants.
Once registered, you can log in with your school email and password. Select “remember me” to auto-login each time you visit.