1: Eligibility

1. Participation in the festival is open exclusively to amateur performers, except for the Recital Class and bona fide choir members.
2. Teachers holding professional qualifications for teaching, but who do not derive any income from performances, are eligible to enter, while individuals holding professional qualifications and deriving income from musical or dramatic performances are ineligible.
3. In ensemble and choral classes, all participants must be legitimate members of the group they represent.
4. Participants must adhere to the specified age restrictions.
5. Age limits are determined as of the closing date for entries.
6. Duologue Classes - In the case of duologue classes where the ages of the performers fall into two different age-restricted classes, the entry will be permitted into the class corresponding to the age of the eldest entrant. It is advisable that both performers in duologue classes are of a similar ability to ensure fairness.
7. Solo performers are limited to one performance in any solo class.
8. Performances in the Recital class are not eligible for the Musician of the Year Award.

2: Accompanists

1. Performers have the option to provide their own accompanists in all instrumental and vocal classes with piano accompaniment.
2. If the festival's official accompanists are chosen, participants must declare their intention and pay the £3 fee.
3. When the official accompanist is needed, music must be submitted to the music co-ordinator straight away, the address is on the entry confirmation.
4. When not using the festival accompanist, participants are responsible for ensuring their accompanists meet appropriate standards.
5. Recorded or background music is allowed only in Group Drama, Popular Music, Songs from the Shows, Musical Theatre classes, or specified classes.
6. For backing tracks, electronic submission to neil.barnby@donvalleyfestival.org.uk is required at least 3 weeks before the festival. Alternative arrangements should be requested via email to the same address.

3: Entries

1. All performances must use original copies of music or text. An additional copy should be provided for the adjudicator on the day, unless otherwise stated in the syllabus. Photocopies may be used only for page turns, but the original material must always be present in the performance room.
2. Precise adherence to time limits is mandatory, and the entry form must accurately state the timings of own choice pieces.
3. Own Choice:
   1. The Entry Form must include the titles of Own Choice pieces; omission will result in rejection.
   2. Changes to own choice pieces are not allowed after January 31st, per Performing Rights Society Regulations.
   3. The same set and own choice pieces cannot be repeated in different classes.
   4. Performances containing explicit language or content must be indicated on the Entry Form, accompanied by the full text submission. The Executive Committee reserves the right to reject unsuitable material, especially if scheduled when young audiences may be present.
4. Closing dates (late entries will not be accepted): Music/Drama – 21st January, Photography/Art – 3rd March 2025. Cheques should be made payable to Don Valley Festival.

4: Copyright & Photocopies

1. Every performance must use original music or text. Photocopies may be provided for adjudicator reference, under the condition that they are destroyed after the performance. Photocopies are permitted in the absence of original material only if prior written permission from the copyright holder is obtained, following the Music Publishers Association concession.
2. All performances featuring music from current productions are subject to copyright law.
3. Songs from shows must be sung as concert items, without costume. Performances will be judged solely on voice quality, with no additional credit for costumes.
4. Copyright responsibility rests with the performer, not the festival.

5: The Festival

1. Once the entries are closed, the Executive Committee will determine the class order. Session schedules are not guaranteed, and the committee reserves the right to change the order with advance notice to participants.
2. Failure to respond when called during a class forfeits the right to compete in that class.
3. All trophies are held for one year only and must be returned in a clean condition by the specified date.
4. Trophies may be awarded in different classes based on entries.
5. The Adjudicator's decisions are final. Adjudicators' remark sheets are available to performers at no charge after each class. The Executive Committee retains the right to appoint additional or alternative adjudicators as needed.
6. Performers and audience members must not approach the Adjudicator directly but should contact the Adjudicator's Secretary at the desk or a Festival Officer.
7. The Executive Committee has the final say in all matters or disputes not covered by these regulations.
8. The committee disclaims all responsibility for injuries, damage, or losses, except where statutory reasons prevent such disclaimers.
9. Prizes with a monetary value will only be awarded in classes with more than two entries.
10. The use of photographic and video equipment is prohibited.
11. Extra fees: Late entries will incur a 10% fee of the total entry amount. Additionally, if assistance is needed to complete the online entry, a fee of £0.30 per entry will apply due to the extra administrative time required.
12. The Official Festival Photographer and the Press may be in attendance; parents/guardians who do not wish their child to be photographed must inform the Festival Committee.