Festival Regulations 2026

These regulations apply to all entrants and are designed to ensure fairness, compliance with copyright law, and the smooth running of the festival. The version published online is always the most up to date and in force.

1. Eligibility

1. Participation is open exclusively to amateur performers, except for the Recital Class and bona fide choir members.
2. Teachers with professional qualifications who do not earn income from performance are eligible. Individuals who earn income from musical or dramatic performance are not.
3. In ensemble and choral classes, all performers must be legitimate members of the group they represent.
4. Age limits apply as of 20 January 2026 (closing date for music and drama entries).
5. Duologue classes: if performers fall into different age groups, the entry will be placed in the class of the eldest. Entrants of similar ability are recommended.
6. A solo performer may appear only once in any solo class.
7. Performances in the Recital Class are not eligible for the Musician of the Year Award.

2. Accompanists and Backing Tracks

1. Performers may provide their own accompanists in all classes.
2. Use of the festival accompanist must be declared at entry stage. A fee of £4 per class is payable.
3. Music for the festival accompanist must be submitted to the Music Co-ordinator immediately (address provided on the entry confirmation).
4. Performers using their own accompanist are responsible for ensuring the required standard.
5. Recorded or background music is permitted only in Group Drama, Popular Music, Songs from the Shows, Musical Theatre classes, or where otherwise specified.
6. Backing tracks must be sent electronically (MP3 or WAV) via the online entry system at least three weeks before the festival. Alternative arrangements must be requested in advance.
7. For all classes using a backing track, a copy of the music or lyrics for the adjudicator is optional but not required. The overall performance will be adjudicated.

3. Entries and Copyright

1. Original copies of all music or text must be used in performance.
2. One copy must be provided for the adjudicator on the day (photocopies permitted for this purpose only, destroyed afterwards).
3. Photocopies for page turns are permitted if the original is present in the room.
4. If original material is unavailable, photocopies may only be used with written permission from the copyright holder, in line with Music Publishers Association concessions.
5. Songs from shows must be sung as concert items without costume. Judging is based on vocal quality only.
6. The Entry Form must include the titles of Own Choice pieces. Failure to do so may result in rejection.
7. Changes to Own Choice pieces are not permitted after 31 January 2026.
8. The same set and Own Choice pieces may not be repeated in different classes.
9. Performances containing explicit language or content must be declared on the Entry Form, with full text supplied. The Executive Committee reserves the right to reject unsuitable material.
10. Closing dates: Music and Drama by 20 January 2026. Photography and Art by 2 March 2026. Late entries will not be accepted.

4. The Festival

1. Once entries close, the Executive Committee will determine the class order. The schedule may change with advance notice.
2. The Committee reserves the right to combine or cancel classes if entry numbers are low.
3. Failure to respond when called will result in forfeiture of the right to compete.
4. The Adjudicator’s decisions are final.
5. Adjudicators’ remark sheets will be available immediately after each class and should be collected from the desk if not handed out.
6. Performers and audience members must not approach the Adjudicator directly. Enquiries should go via the Adjudicator’s Secretary or a Festival Officer.
7. Trophies are held for one year and must be returned in a clean condition by the specified date. Holders may be liable for repair or replacement if a trophy is damaged or lost.

5. Time Limits and Performance Conditions

1. At the end of the time limit, the adjudicator may stop adjudicating or, at their discretion, allow the performance to continue.
2. No prompting from the audience is allowed. Prompted performances may be disqualified or marked down.
3. No rehearsal or warm-up space is provided. For large groups, additional holding rooms may be available.

6. Data Protection

1. Personal data is collected and processed solely for administration of the festival.
2. Data is stored securely and is not shared with third parties, except as required by law.
3. Participants may request access, correction or deletion of their data, subject to legal requirements.
4. Records relating to entries and contact details may be retained for up to six years to comply with legal and financial obligations.
5. Financial records (including payment information) are retained for up to six years in line with statutory requirements.
6. Trophy holder records are retained only until trophies are returned and any related matters are resolved.
7. Adjudicator remark sheets are distributed at the festival and not retained thereafter, except for anonymised samples which may be kept for up to one year for administrative purposes.

7. Refund Policy

1. Entry fees will be refunded if a requested day or session cannot be fulfilled.
2. Withdrawals are considered case by case. Withdrawals within three weeks of the festival forfeit the fee due to pre-arranged adjudicator payments and printed materials.
3. No refunds will be given for non-attendance.

8. Communication

1. Entrants will be contacted via email and or telephone as appropriate.
2. Updates will also be posted on the official website and Facebook page.
3. Performers and other participants are responsible for providing correct contact details and checking messages regularly. The festival cannot be held responsible for missed communications.

9. Health and Safety

1. Medical conditions, additional needs or accessibility requirements must be indicated on the entry form.
2. In an emergency, report to a Festival Official or, if unavailable, the ticket desk.
3. All attendees remain responsible for their own property. The festival accepts no liability for loss or damage to personal belongings.