Thursday 11 September 1997
By eBroadcast Staff and agencies.

The National Drug Offensive's Rock Eisteddfod Challenge, and annual music spectacular will be presented exclusively on Channel Nine commencing with an exciting introduction to the entrants on Sunday, September 14 at 2:00pm, followed by a two-hour spectacular Grand Final presentation on Sunday, September 21 at 2:00pm.

Both specials will be hosted by Steven Jacobs and newcomer Nikki McCarthy. The Rock Eisteddfod is an entertainment concept that originated in Sydney 17 years ago. In the late 1980's the federal and state governments realised the event was the ideal platform for promoting positive attitudes to young Australians including saying "no" to drugs and alcohol abuse.

350 schools and over 40,000 students have participated in the various finale throughout Australia including 66 schools and 7,000 students from around Victoria.

Each school is judged on concept, interpretation and creativity, together with various production elements such as music choice, choreography, teamwork and stage presentation.