Can I change my time and/or class?

If there are serious reasons why you cannot perform at the time indicated then let us know IMMEDIATELY and we may be able to offer an alternative. LAST MINUTE CHANGES and CHANGES ON THE DAY are unlikely to be accommodated as all the preparation - adjudicator's timetable, certificates, adjudication sheets etc - is already done by then and will not be in the appropriate file/place and, on the day, holds up other entrants.

No requests can be considered after Friday 12 February 2010 unless for exceptional reasons.

Timings and Programming

We never know how many entries we are going to get in any one category/class until the entries start to come in. Venues and adjudicators are booked immediately after the previous Festival as popular venues and adjudicators are booked up months in advance.

This means that in some categories, we have a real headache trying to fit everyone into the venue and time allocated. Sometimes, this might appear to be peculiar in the final timings but consideration is genuinely given to travel times and the number of classes an individual or school has entered. We are aware that schools have to book coaches and extra staff and, wherever possible we try to minimise the extra costs etc.

It is not always possible to get one organisation or one entrant into all the different classes they may have entered on the same day.

All timings and programming are checked by members of the committee and timings are always based upon the timings of the previous year.

Mistakes!

Yes - we make mistakes! Obviously we do not mean to make mistakes but writing on the entry forms and other communications are sometime difficult to read and consequently mistakes are made in the spelling of names and music. If you see that your name is incorrectly spelt then please do not hesitate to contact the Festival Administrator (details given with contact information) so that this is correctly spelt on the certificates. If you spot the mistake once you have received your certificate then please make contact as we can send an amended certificate to you after the Festival.

If any other mistakes are made, this may just be human error so do let us know - contact details at the end of this programme.

Should I bring a copy of music with me?

YES! We are unable to provide copies of all the music played for the adjudicator and this includes the set music. It is quite acceptable and perfectly legal to bring a photocopy.

When should I arrive?

All classes begin promptly at the start of each morning, afternoon and evening session. After that it is difficult to be precise although we do try to give some indication in the Programme. Sometimes people fail to turn up due to illness and other times we may overrun if the adjudicator gets carried away!

You may find that we run several classes together if there are not many entries, to make sure that you have an audience. It is best to err on the safe side and to arrive in plenty of time so that you are relaxed and can get the "feel" of the Festival before it is your turn to perform.

What do I need to do on arrival?

Make yourself known to the Festival door steward and hand in the completed MUSIC FORM or SPEECH FORM which gives details of your name, class and the title of the music you will be performing. If you have forgotten your form we shall have plenty of spares at the reception table.

If you are playing or singing an "own choice" hand an extra copy of the music to the steward for the adjudicator . Photocopies may be used but they will be destroyed at the end of the class. Original copies for adjudicators use will be returned at the end of the class.

What should I wear?

This is a public performance and you are on show so appearance does matter. However, make sure that you feel comfortable and can breathe easily. Footwear is important if you stand to perform.

Do I have to bring a music stand?

Not normally but please see if there are any details under your particular class. We have plenty but if you bring a very large instrumental group it may be prudent to bring a few extra. There is a special conductor's stand for choir, band and orchestral performances.

Are there warm up facilities?

In some of the venues we use this may be possible, but unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed.

Who is in charge?

All the Festival stewards wear a gold sash. They are there to help you and to ensure each class runs smoothly. Please feel free to approach any of them if you need help and advice.

Entry Fee on day of Festival

The cost of entry on specific days is £1.50 and/or £2.00 and this will include a Day Programme which gives information for those specific classes.

It is important that you read our child protection policy.