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Festival Rules

It is stressed that teachers MUST bring these rules to the notice of all entrants.

  1. Any performers who are currently attending, or have attended, Vocational Training Colleges are ineligible to enter.  For performers aged 18 and under (or 25 and under in the Vocal section and open classes in Speech and Drama), age will be reckoned as of 1st September 2020.
  2. Performers will be admitted free of charge on production of a performers’ ticket which will be sent to all performers (except Dance where performers should sign in on arrival at the venue).
  3. Entrants will perform in the order determined by the Committee and shown in the programme. Performers who fail to respond may forfeit a hearing, unless the Secretary has been informed before the start of the class.
  4. Should entrants be unable to perform, substitute performers are NOT allowed.
  5. Entry forms MUST be accompanied by the appropriate fee on the OFFICIAL FORM. No refund can be entertained except in the case of illness which must be supported by a Doctor’s certificate.
  6. Performers will be marked in accordance with the recommendation of the British and International Federation of Festivals as described above. In any Music, Vocal or Speech and Drama section performers must obtain at least 81 marks to qualify for a medal and 84 marks for trophy. Any Dance Performer must obtain 84 marks to qualify for a Trophy.  THE ADJUDICATOR WILL ANNOUNCE THE FIRST 3 MARKS.
  7. The Secretary reserves the right to limit the number of entrants in all classes, so that each performer may receive a fair hearing.
  8. Adjudicators may stop any performance when their judgement has been formed. Their decision is final.
  9. Any protest which a performer, or any other person, may wish to make, must be in writing and accompanied by a £10 deposit. Should the Committee, after investigation not uphold the protest, the deposit will be forfeited.
  10. All trophies are awarded for 11 months and MUST be returned in good clean condition to the Secretary, not later than 4 weeks before the start of the festival.
  11. The Committee reserves the right to qualify the rules or determine any other Regulation as circumstances require.
  12. Entrants must perform only ONCE in a solo class and must not perform the same work in more than one class. In other sections, performers may enter more than once in duet, trio or group but with different partners and work.
  13. In each section a Set piece cannot also be an Own Choice piece.
  14. In all Own Choice classes, previous winners may not compete again with the same material.
  15. In all Own Choice classes, copies of the manuscript/poem/prose must be provided for the adjudicator together with source and publisher, or a mark will not be given.
  16. The Committee CANNOT permit the PHOTOGRAPHING or RECORDING (audio or video) of any performance.
  17. Recorded accompaniment is only permitted generally in Dance (see separate Dance Rules). In other sections recorded accompaniment is only permitted if it is defined in the description of a specific class and subject to copyright consideration.
  18. All performances using music from shows in current production are subject to copyright law and may only be performed as a concert item (i.e. with no props, costume or movement) without the need for copyright permission. Where movement or costume are included in a performance, copyright permission is required, and the Festival accepts these entries on the basis that the appropriate copyright permission has been sought. Performers or teachers with queries on how to obtain copyright permission for performance items should contact Festivals House on 01625 428297 before making entries.
  19. All music, characterisation and dances should be age appropriate and will be marked accordingly.
  20. The Committee reserves the right to refuse any entries without assigning a reason.

Dance Section Rules

To be read in conjunction with the General Rules

  1. This is an amateur festival for dancers 18yrs and under. Dancers at full time vocational schools, teaching or performing in the genre they wish to enter will not be accepted if they receive more than ‘out of pocket’ expenses.
  2. Age to be reckoned as of 1st September 2019.
  3. Entries together with the correct fees should be sent to the Dance Secretary. No entry will be accepted unless accompanied by the correct fee. Postal entries only will be accepted.
  4. There is NO CLOSING DATE and entries will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis, and once capacity has been reached no further entries will be accepted.
  5. The Committee reserves the right to refuse any entries without assigning a reason.
  6. The time limit to each class must not be exceeded under any circumstances and is as stated in the syllabus. If the time is not adhered to, the performer will give up the right to winning the section and can only be placed.
  7. Performers may enter twice in any Group class and in duet and trio classes may enter twice with the same partner so long as it is a different genre. This applies to Classical and Cabaret.
  8. Only one track per CD. The CD to be clearly marked with class number and entry number as shown against the name in the official programme. CD to be placed in the appropriate place on the trays in the back of the hall NO LATER THAN 15 MINUTES before the start of the class. A back up copy must be available.
  9. We reserve the right to start the class 30 minutes prior to the stated time. It is the responsibility of the performers to make their supporters aware of this.
  10. The use of RECORDING, PHOTOGRAPHIC and VIDEO EQUIPMENT during ANY performance is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
  11. The Adjudicator’s decision in all classes will be deemed final and the right is reserved to withhold awards where, in their opinion, the standard of performance is insufficiently high, or to individuals who infringe the rules.
  12. No voice accompaniment on Song and Dance CD’s. No “Tap Sound Effects” on music for Tap.
  13. The Committee reserves the right to amend or alter classes if deemed necessary.
  14. Competitors entering Ballet classes may not perform on pointe until they reach 13years of age.
  15. No props are permitted in CLASSICAL ballet.
  16. Restarts (one only) will not be allowed in classes 9 years and over.
  17. The wings and stage are out of bounds to all, except authorised personnel and one teacher, parent or carer if the child is 6yrs or under, with special needs or has a large prop to be put on stage. People who refuse to obey this rule will run the risk of their child being disqualified.
  18. All music, characterisation, costumes and dance should be age related and will be marked accordingly.
  19. MEDALS. Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals will be awarded in solo classes. In Duet and Trio classes, silver medals will be awarded when there are 6 or more entries in the class and bronze medals with 10 or more. Competitors must obtain 81 marks to be awarded a trophy. Lanyards will be available for purchase.
  20. Trophies are held for 11 months only and must be returned to Louise Cooper on the 1st day of the Festival. They should be in good clean repair and if not, this should be notified one month before next Festival.
  21. In the event of a tied mark the adjudicator will award the trophy based on artistic performance.
  22. NO CHANGES WILL BE ALLOWED LATER THAN 14 DAYS PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE FESTIVAL.