South Street Society
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The South Street Society was an organisation based in Ballarat, Victoria, which conducted a series of performing arts contests and concerts originally styled the "South Street Competitions", which developed into the "Grand National Eisteddfod", later the Royal South Street Eisteddfod, not to be confused with the Ballarat Welsh Eisteddfods.
The contests began as a public speaking and debating competition held by Ballarat's South Street Young Men's General Debating Society within its own membership, then between similar societies in the region. It expanded in range and scope into musical and calisthenic performances, drawing entries from all parts of Australasia. Much of its success can be attributed to its organising secretary, W. D. Hill.[1] and his successor, L. A. Blackman.
Despite the contests' brief and peripheral association with the Ballarat location, "South Street" has remained part of its title for over 130 years.