Syllabus 2026

for the 100th Anniversary Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts

2026 Festival – 6th May to 16th May – Cheltenham Town Hall

We look forward to seeing you!

The Festival is an opportunity for performers to try out their skills in the wonderful setting of Cheltenham Town Hall.  There are classes for all ages and abilities.  Please browse through the syllabus and enter online.  The on-line entry system will be operational in December.  

School teachers who have a number of performers to enter can use the Multiple Entries Form – please email multipleentries@cfpa.org.uk to ask for the Form to be sent to you.  

Festival Contacts

Music

Secretary – David Terry, tel: 07921 549191, music@cfpa.org.uk

Additional Music Contacts

Strings, Woodwind and Brass – Helen McNaught, strings-wind-brass@cfpa.org.uk

Piano – Penny Liddiard and Pippa Harrison, piano@cfpa.org.uk

Vocals – Nicky Bryant, vocals@cfpa.org.uk

Choirs – Julie Goodfellow, choirs@cfpa.org.uk

Dance

Secretary – Carol McDowall, tel: 01242 514582, dance@cfpa.org.uk

Speech & Drama

Secretary – Rebecca Vines, tel: 07891 795586, speech-drama@cfpa.org.uk    

Entries

Entry fees for each class are shown in the Syllabus. Spectators should note that the class entry fee is for the performer only. Tickets for admission for those who wish to watch performances are £5 and will be available from the Town Hall Box Office beforehand and at any time during the Festival.

Friends of the Festival are entitled to free entry on any day. (click here for details of how to become a Friend).

The on-line entry system will be operating from 1st December 2025 and the Closing Date for all entries, including Own Composition, is 1st February 2026.  Own Compositions (Poems and Stories, see Devised and Improvised Work) must then be uploaded onto the website on or before 1st April 2026.

Entries received after the closing date will only be accepted at the discretion of the Section Secretary.

Conditions of Entry – see here

Festival Timetable

This timetable is for provisional informational only and cannot be finalised until all the entries have been received and the classes planned in detail.  The final version of the timetable will be published on the website on 1st March 2026.

Syllabus Contents:

Music

	Music Rules	Recorders	Strings
	Choral	Music Making	Chamber Music & Ensembles
	Vocal	Junior Ensemble	Woodwind & Brass
	School Choirs	Piano

Dance

Dance Rules

Dance Classes

Speech & Drama

	Speech & Drama Rules	Acting	Group Work
	Verse & Poetry	Musical Theatre	Accessible Classes
	Reading at Sight	Mime	Comedy
	Prose Speaking	Communications	Original Work Classes
	Prose Reading	Devised & Improvised Work	Digital Classes

General Information

	Young Performer Awards	Child Protection Policy	Accessibility
	Copyright Rules	Creating a Safe Festival	Friends of the Festival
	General Rules	Equal Opportunities	Donations
	Accompanists	Privacy Statement

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Mark Schemes for 2026

for Dance, Speech & Drama, and Music, with the exception of Open Piano

	90 and over	Outstanding
	85 – 89	Honours
	80 – 84	Distinction
	75 – 79	Merit

for Open Piano

	90 and over	An exceptional performance, both technically and artistically
	87 – 89	An excellent performance technically and artistically
	84 – 86	A convincing performance technically and artistically
	81 – 83	A capable performance showing some artistic appreciation and/or technical ability
	78 – 80	A performance showing development of technique and/or communication
	75 – 77	A performance limited in its communication

 

GENERAL RULES

General Rules 

G1	The Competition shall be known as the “Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts”.
G2	There is no geographical restriction for any of the Performers, except for the Young Performers’ Award.
G3	No persons gaining all or a principal part of their livelihood from music, speech, drama or dancing may compete, except in the classes marked “Open” (This Rule does not apply to Conductors of Choirs). The Committee reserve the right to refuse entry to an Open Class where the performer’s experience may be insufficient.
G4	The management of these competitions and all matters relating thereto shall be in the hands of a Chairman and a Committee with a Secretary and Treasurer, whose decision on any matter shall be final.
G5	In the event of there not being a sufficient number of entries in any Class, or in the opinion of the judges the competitors do not show sufficient merit, the Committee reserves to itself the power to withdraw any or all of the awards.
G6	Time limits must be strictly adhered to and competitors who over-run will be penalised with the loss of one mark per minute or part of a minute, and will run the risk of not receiving a mark. Time limits do not include any introduction to the piece.
G7	In the event of there being fewer than 5 entries in a Class, the Committee reserves to itself the power to cancel that Class. In that event, entry fees will be refunded.
G8	All performers attending any kind of school and who enter classes that take place during the school day must have approval from the head teacher, otherwise they will be denied entry to the class on the day.  For more information, see the “Headteacher Approval” page on the website.
G9	Performers should ensure that they are dressed appropriately. The well-groomed personal appearance of competitors will be taken into account when adjudicating performances and awarding marks.
G10	Certificates with the Adjudicator’s comments will be available at the completion of each class. For two months after the end of the Festival, certificates not collected during the Festival may be requested from the relevant Section Secretary and will be sent by post on receipt of a payment of £5.
G11	(a) No cup or trophy will be awarded for marks under 85. (b) In the event of more than one person being awarded a cup or trophy, they shall hold it for a proportionate time in alphabetical order of surname. (c) All cup and trophy winners must provide a name and contact details before taking the cup away. (d) Medals will be awarded on the following basis: In classes for age 10 and under (i.e. primary school age) and for instrument Grades 1 and 2, gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded for all class sizes. For age 11 and above and Grade 3 and above, where there are 5 or fewer in a class, only a gold medal will be awarded; in a class of more than 5 but fewer than 10 participants, a gold and silver medal will be awarded; in classes of 10 or more, gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded. NO medals will be awarded in any “Open” class. (e) No medal will be awarded for marks under 80. (f) In classes other than “Open” classes, where a cup is awarded, the winner, on production of the cup winner’s certificate, may purchase a gold medal from the Festival Office for the sum of £8.00.
G12	The adjudicator’s decision is final.
G13	All entries must be made online or be sent to the respective Section Secretary on or before 1st February. Entries received after the closing date will only be accepted at the discretion of the Section Secretary.
G14	(a) In the case of numerous entries, the Committee reserves the right to divide any class which may be considered too large for adjudication. (b) For classes split into ‘a’ and ‘b’ sets, each set will be adjudicated with 1st, 2nd, 3rd places and medals. Only one cup will be awarded overall. (c) Classes may be combined if the numbers are too low.
G15	Age limit is reckoned as on 31st August in the year preceding the Festival and this will be strictly observed. All performers under 19 years must include their date of birth at the time of entry. Entry Forms without the competitor’s age (under 19 years) will not be accepted.
G16	The Committee regrets that Fees cannot be refunded under any circumstances other than Rule G7, or in the event that a Headteacher’s Approval has been refused.
G17	Performers are urged to ensure they have entered the correct Class on the entry form, as transferring Classes cannot be guaranteed, and will not be permitted after the commencement of the Festival.
G18	No photography, sound recording or video recording of any kind is permitted within the Town Hall, except by personnel approved by the Festival Committee. This is in line with our Child Protection Policy, copyright law and the licence under which we hire the Town Hall.
G19	Performers in “Own Choice” Classes may not offer items with which they have already won prizes in past Cheltenham Festivals.
G20	Performers may not enter more than once in the same Class unless specified, nor may they enter the same piece in more than one Class.
G21	Performers should perform in the order given in the programme unless involved elsewhere, in which case they must notify the steward. Those not answering to their names when called will be recalled at the end of the Class, however the adjudication will not be delayed.
G22	The Festival reserves the right to commence any class up to 15 minutes earlier than the published time.
G23	Performers who have entered classes which overlap, should first attend the class in which they appear earliest in the order. In the event of any difficulty, the Adjudicator’s Steward should be consulted.
G24	The Use of Recorded Music at the Festival. This Festival is affiliated to the British Federation of Festivals and participates in its Group Licence to cover payment of fees for the use of recorded music at its event. Teachers using tracks created from commercial recordings are advised that they should themselves seek permission to re-record from the companies concerned as the Festival cannot take responsibility for this.
G25	Cups and trophies must be returned clean and in good condition to Don Browning Trophies, 4 St George’s Street, Cheltenham GL50 4AF, no later than the end of March prior to the next Festival.

 

 

YOUNG PERFORMER AWARDS

Taking place on Friday, 15^th May 2026 in the Main Hall, the Festival will be holding its second ‘Young Performer Awards’ evening. Designed to celebrate the very best of the Festival, the performers across dance, music, and speech and drama who have achieved the highest marks during the Festival will be invited to perform in a showcase and compete for the accolade of winning one of the 2026 Young Performer Awards. This promises to be a fantastic celebration of the best young talent in the area.

Overview and Rules

The awards evening will be a celebration of the three Festival disciplines: Music, Dance, and Speech & Drama. There will be four awards presented on the night: ‘Young Dancer of the Year’, ‘Young Musician of the Year’, ‘Young Actor of the Year’ and ‘Young Performer of the Year’. It will only be open to young people who have entered this year’s Festival.

Six young people from each discipline, aged 17 or under, will be invited to perform and the criteria for selection in each discipline are:

Dance

• Winner of the Senior Classical Aggregate cup, age 15 years and over.
• Winner of the Senior Cabaret Aggregate cup, age 15 years and over.
• Winner of the Classical aggregate cup, age 13 and 14 years.
• Winner of the Cabaret aggregate cup, age 13 and 14 years.
• Highest solo mark in the festival, age 13 years and above.
• Adjudicator’s choice for the senior performer.
•  

Music

• One young performer from Strings selected by the adjudicator from any string classes, including Open and Performance classes.
• One young performer from Wind selected by the adjudicator from any wind classes, including Open and Performance classes.
• Two young performers from Vocals being the two highest marks from any of classes V13, V14, V15, V17 and V18.
• Two young performers from Piano selected by the adjudicator from any piano classes, including Open and Performance classes.

Speech & Drama

• To be eligible, performers must enter at least three of the five solo classes (Acting, Shakespeare, Verse Speaking, Musical Theatre and Sonnet).
• The marks awarded for the relevant classes will be collated with the average taken for the highest three marks.
• The six performers with the highest average score will be invited to perform in the awards evening.

If a young person meets the criteria for more than one discipline, they will be asked to choose the discipline in which they wish to perform. In the discipline(s) they do not choose, another young person will be invited to perform using the same selection criteria.

On the evening, each performer will have the opportunity to perform up to two of the pieces which contributed to their being selected. All performers will have a maximum time limit of five minutes. Any performer going over the five-minute limit, will be penalised with the loss of one mark per minute or part of a minute. The five minutes will not include any introduction to the piece(s). The order of performance will be chosen on the evening, by drawing lots.

In line with other Festival rules, performers in music (Rule M3) and speech & drama (Rule SD6) must present a copy of their piece to the relevant adjudicator. They are also expected to introduce their pieces as part of their performance. Dancers may introduce their piece(s), should they wish.

There will be no facilities for performers to warm-up within the Town Hall. This is out of respect to other performers.

The adjudicating panel will consist of four people. This will be the Chair/Vice Chair of The Festival (who will chair the panel) and an adjudicator selected by each of the three committees i.e. one dance adjudicator, one music adjudicator, and one speech & drama adjudicator. Adjudicators will award a mark to each of the performers in their respective discipline. These will be in line with the criteria used during The Festival. The given marks will not be announced.

In each discipline, the performer with the highest mark will win the ‘Young Dancer/Musician/Actor of the Year’ award. They will receive a cup and a prize of £250. The performer with the highest mark overall will win the ‘Young Performer of the Year’ award. They will receive another cup and an additional £250. If, at any stage of the competition, there are two or more performers with the joint highest mark, the Chair of the adjudicating panel will have the casting vote.

Unless stated above, all other relevant Festival rules will apply.

 

MUSIC

Rules for Music Classes

M1	All General Rules apply to the Music Classes.
M2	‘Own Choice’ titles do not need to be notified on the entry form. ‘Own Choice’ pieces must conform to the standard of tests set at the Festival and the Committee reserves the right to refuse a piece, in the class, that is not of the required standard.  Titles of ‘Own Choice’ music must be announced.
M3	An original score of music, not a photocopy, of an own choice piece must be in the room. A copy of own choice music must be handed to the adjudicator at the beginning of the class, and in the ‘Set Piece’ classes, the prescribed edition and key, where specified, must be used. Failure to do either of these will mean that the Performer will receive an adjudication but no mark. See also Copyright Rules.
M4	If an accompanist is required, they must be engaged directly by the performer. The Festival does not provide accompanists. A list of potential accompanists can be found in the online Syllabus.
M5	Performers in ‘Own Choice’ classes may not offer items with which they have already won prizes in Cheltenham Festivals, nor may they enter the same piece in more than one class.
M6	Pre-recorded backing tracks are only permitted where stated in the class description. Playback equipment will be provided. Backing tracks must be brought in on devices (phones, tablets or laptops) with a 3.5mm microphone socket, USB-C socket or Apple Lightning socket. Tracks must be downloaded onto the device beforehand.
M7	Songs from the Shows:  Performers are reminded that, due to Performing Rights, no costume or scenery may be used. Movement is, however, allowed.
M8	Coaching: No instructions, mouthing of words or gestures by a teacher, tutor, or parent is allowed during a performance.  This, and/or any other off-stage direction, may result in a loss of marks.

 

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Choral

Adjudicator – Luise Horrocks  MA (Oxon), ARCM, PGCA, PGCE, HON TCL

After studies at Oxford University and the Royal College of Music, Luise’s career as a professional Soprano soloist took her throughout the UK, Europe, America and South Africa.

Luise has held teaching positions in both the Junior and Senior departments of Birmingham Conservatoire and as a visiting lecturer at Birmingham University. She runs an extensive private teaching practice and regularly gives masterclasses, choral workshops, presentations and teacher sessions both at home and abroad. She has worked as a mentor on the CT ABRSM panel and as a vocal coach on residential courses for singers. She has also trained and conducted the Wyre Forest Young Voices Choir. She has recently taken up an appointment as the singing teacher at Keble College, Oxford and has become a Vocal Health First Aider.

For many years as Associate Chief Examiner in music for Trinity College London, Luise has worked on syllabus setting and leading projects for diplomas, examiner training and teacher support. Publications include a series of books on Musical Theatre repertoire and graded songbooks.

Luise is an experienced adjudicating member of the British and International Federation of Festivals.

 

C01	Choral Societies or Mixed Voice Choirs – Minimum 20 voices – Adult choirs. The Programme must contain at least one unaccompanied item. Minimum of three pieces. The choice of programme will be considered in the adjudication. (12 mins). Please note the new time limit and see rule M3 as time limits must be adhered to or marks will be deducted, which may affect placings.	£32.00
C02	Male Voice Choirs – Minimum 20 voices – Adult choirs. As C01.	£32.00
C03	Female Voice Choirs – Minimum 20 voices – Adult choirs. As C01.	£32.00
C04	Sacred Music – Any combination of voices. Two contrasting items with a minimum of two parts and containing at least one unaccompanied item. Choice of programme will be considered in adjudication. (8 mins)	£32.00
C05	Choirs – Folk Song – Any combination of voices. A programme of two contrasting folk song arrangements, not necessarily British, with a minimum of two parts and containing at least one unaccompanied item. Choice of programme will be considered in adjudication. (8 mins)	£32.00
C08	Community Choirs or Rock Choirs – Any combination of voices. Own choice. Two contrasting pieces. Non-competitive class with adjudication comments. May use piano accompaniment or backing tracks. (8 mins)	£32.00
C09	Choirs – Songs from the Shows – Any combination of voices. Own choice. Can be separate items or a medley. (10 mins)	£32.00

The Youth Choirs classes will take place on Saturday 16th May 2026 at the Town Hall.

C06	Youth Choirs – Any combination of voices. Own choice. Two contrasting songs, one in at least three parts. (8 mins)	£32.00
C07	Youth Choirs – Any combination of voices. Own choice. Two contrasting songs, one in at least two parts. Non-competitive class with adjudication comments. (8 mins)	£32.00

THE GOLD CUP (Classes C01, C02, C03), originally donated by the late Mr A N Price, will be awarded to the choir from the Adult Choir Classes which, in the opinion of the adjudicator, gave the most memorable performance.

THE SILVER PLATE will be awarded to the Youth Choir which, in the opinion of the adjudicator, gave the most memorable performance.

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Vocal

 

Adult Vocal

Masterclass Tutor and Adjudicator – David Crown  

 

Open to ages 18 years and over.

 Masterclasses:    Will be taken by David Crown on Friday 15th May 2026 to improve performance through tips on technique, interpretation and presentation followed by the opportunity to compete in the Vocal Championships.  Each participant will be allocated 30 minutes work with David on one (or two pieces) to gain expert advice on how they could improve their singing. Places are limited to 12 participants, allocated to those who book first.

Championship competition classes:   Open to everyone not just Masterclass participants, to sing for one or both of the awards selecting one qualifying piece that fits into the following categories.

Gertrude Mace Memorial Shield: Music must be from one of the following genres:
Oratorio, Operatic or Dramatic Aria, Lied, Chanson

Cleeve Vale Rotary Club Trophy:  Music must be from one of the following genres:
Operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan, Spiritual, Folk (with or without accompaniment), Songs from the Shows

In addition, the adjudicator will also present the Foxwell Rose Bowl (best voice in competition) and the David Johnson Memorial Cup (most promising Baritone).

How to enter:  When booking opens, enter online into one of the classes below

MCB	Adult Vocal Masterclass. With entry into both Gertrude Mace Memorial Shield and Cleeve Vale Rotary Club Trophy Championships	£65.00
MCGM	Adult Vocal Masterclass. With entry into Gertrude Mace Memorial Shield Championship	£55.00
MCCV	Adult Vocal Masterclass. With entry into Cleeve Vale Rotary Club Trophy Championship	£55.00
V20	Gertrude Mace Memorial Shield Championship. Music must be from one of the following genres: Oratorio, Operatic or Dramatic Aria, Lied, Chanson. (6 mins). Entrants also have free entry to observe the Masterclasses	£15.00
V21	Cleeve Vale Rotary Club Trophy Championship. Music must be from one of the following genres: Operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan, Spiritual, Folk (with or without accompaniment), Songs from the Shows. (6 mins). Entrants also have free entry to observe the Masterclasses	£15.00
V22	Adult Vocal – Set Piece. ‘Silent Noon’ by R Vaughan Williams. Published separately, or in The First Book of Mezzo-Soprano/Alto Solos (G. Schirmer GS81174)	£15.00
V23	Adult Vocal – Classical or Musical Theatre Duet, Trio or Quartet. One voice per part, each having a distinct vocal and involving singing predominantly in harmony. Props or costuming is allowed. Own choice. (6 mins)	£20.00
V24	Musical Theatre – Adult 19 to 23 years. Own Choice. The piece should come from a show that was in the theatre before any subsequent film was produced (e.g. My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Wicked etc.). Piano accompaniment or backing track may be used.	£15.00
V25	Musical Theatre – Adult 24 years and over. As V24.	£15.00

Accompanists

Masterclass entry includes a professional accompanist who will accompany the singer throughout. For the Championships you may alternatively have your own accompanist. There will be rehearsal time with the official accompanist before the Championships. If you choose to enter only the Championships or other vocal classes you must provide your own accompanist.

Junior Vocal

Adjudicator – Jane Wilkinson  BMus (Hons) (RSAMD), GradDipRCM

Jane trained as a soprano at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and then at the Royal College of Music where she won many competitions and awards.

She performs solo art song recitals across the country and has toured South Africa, Europe and America. Jane teaches singing at Laine Theatre Arts and is a singing tutor at Imperial College, London. She is a former singing teacher at St Cecilia’s School, Wandsworth, Brunel Universities, Chelsea Academy and Flora Gardens School, Hammersmith.

Jane is a former member of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain and now conducts New Malden Voices and New Malden Youth Choir. Jane has premiered many contemporary operas and frequently works alongside composers on new works for the stage and for recordings. She has performed oratorios and concerts at Edinburgh Festival, Royal Albert Hall and many other distinguished venues.

Jane leads vocal masterclasses and workshops internationally and often runs ‘audition technique’ days for aspiring singers. Jane has taught singers of all ages and standards and has a great passion for educating.

Her voice has featured on a wide variety of albums and recordings from children’s repertoire to contemporary folk rock. Jane has been adjudicating for the British and International Federation of Festivals since 2012. 

 

Please note: all set pieces must use the prescribed edition and key. Failure to do either of these will mean that the performer will receive an adjudication but no mark.

All classes are non-gender specific.

V01	Set Solo – Any Voice – School Years 6 and under. Earth, Sea and Sky by Lin Marsh. Junior Songscape: Earth, Sea and Sky (Faber) OR The Best of Singing, Grades 1–3 (high or low) (Faber)	£8.00
V02	Songs from the Shows – Any voice – School Years 6 and under. Any song from ‘Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection – Volume 2, published by Hal Leonard. No costume or scenery may be used but movement is allowed. Piano accompaniment or backing track may be used. (4 mins)	£8.00
V03	Set Solo – Any Voice – School Years 7 and 8. Ferry me across the water Op. 1 No. 7 by Finzi. The ABRSM Songbook, Book 3. (ABRSM)	£8.00
V04	Songs from the Shows – Any Voice – School Years 7 and 8. Solo song from any Musical Show or Musical Film. Suitability of text and subject matter for the age group will be considered in the adjudication. No costume or scenery may be used but movement is allowed. Piano accompaniment or backing track may be used. (4 mins)	£8.00
V05	Vocal Duet or Trio – School Years 8 and under. One song, own choice There is a requirement for a predominance of harmony singing in your chosen piece. No Performer may enter this class more than once unless it is with a different partner performing a different work. (4 mins)	£13.00
V06	Set Solo – Any Voice – School Years 9 and 10. Windy Weather by Lin Marsh. No 8 from Serendipity Solos. The Best of Singing Grades 4-5 (high or low) (Faber)	£8.00
V07	Songs from the Shows – Any voice – School Years 9 and 10. Solo song from any Musical Show or Musical Film. Suitability of text and subject matter for the age group will be considered in the adjudication. No costume or scenery may be used but movement is allowed. Piano accompaniment or backing track may be used. (4 mins)	£8.00
V08	Folk Song from around the World – Any Voice – School Years 9 and under. Own choice. With or without accompaniment. (4 mins)	£8.00
V10	Solo – School Years 11 and under (Changing Voices). Own choice. No pop, songs from shows or films. (4 mins)	£8.00
V11	Vocal Duet or Trio – School Years 9 and 10. One song, own choice. There is a requirement for a predominance of harmony singing in your chosen piece. No performer may enter this class more than once unless it is with a different partner performing a different work. (4 mins)	£13.00
V12	Set Solo – School Years 11 and 12. Silent Noon by R Vaughan Williams. Published separately or in The First Book of Mezzo-Soprano/Alto Solos (G. Schirmer GS81174)	£8.00
V13	Songs from the Shows – Any voice – School Years 11 to 13. Solo song from any Musical Show or Musical Film. Suitability of text and subject matter for the age group will be considered in the adjudication. No costume or scenery may be used but movement is allowed. Piano accompaniment or backing track may be used. (4 mins)	£8.00
V14	Folk Song from around the World – Any Voice – School Years 10 to 13. Own choice. With or without accompaniment. (4 mins)	£8.00
V15	Solo – Any Voice – School Year 13. Own choice. No pop, songs from shows or films. (4 mins)	£8.00
V16	Vocal Duet or Trio – School Years 11 to 13. One song, own choice. There is a requirement for a predominance of harmony singing in your chosen piece. No performer may enter this class more than once unless it is with a different partner performing a different work. (4 mins)	£13.00
V18	Classical Art Song in a language other than English – Any Voice – School Years 13 and under. Own choice of an International Art Song (German Lied, French Mélodie etc.) to be sung in the original language. With or without accompaniment. (4 mins)	£8.00

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School Choirs

Adjudicator – Andrew Padmore BEM  MA, DMus, FTCL, FLCM, LRAM, ARCM, ARCO (CHM)

Andrew studied with Sidney Harrison, Christopher Robinson and Sir Adrian Boult. He has been Head of Music in a large Grammar School, a Cathedral Organist and Master of Choristers, and a Conductor of Choirs and Choral Societies worldwide.

As well as being an adjudicator for The British and International Federation of Festivals, he has been an examiner of Diplomas for ABRSM.

Andrew is also a teacher of singing who gives master-classes and workshops for singers and choirs. He was the regular Conductor for Yorkshire Voices, Harrogate Choral Society and Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir and a guest conductor for Orchestras and Choirs Internationally. He also regularly accompanies singers in recitals and gives organ recitals.

 

All School Choirs must be composed of members from one school. For own choice, contrasting songs, a copy must be provided for the adjudicator. Please note: parents and friends must pay the usual spectator entry fee.

X10	School Choir – Infants – 7 years and under. Free choice of 2 contrasting pieces suitable for infants. Piano or backing track accompaniment. Competitive class with adjudicator comments and marks. (6 mins)	£20.00
X11	School Choir – Infants – 7 years and under. Free choice of 2 contrasting pieces suitable for infants. Piano or backing track accompaniment. Non-competitive class with adjudicator comments. (6 mins)	£20.00
X20	School Choir – Girls, Boys or Mixed – 11 years and under – Novice entries. Free choice of 2 contrasting pieces suitable for juniors. Piano or backing track accompaniment. Competitive class with adjudicator comments and marks. Any school which has won X20 or X25 in the last 3 years may not enter this class. (7 mins)	£20.00
X21	School Choir – Girls, Boys or Mixed – 11 years and under – Novice entries. Free choice of 2 contrasting pieces suitable for juniors. Piano or backing track accompaniment. Non-competitive class with adjudicator comments. Any school which has won X20 or X25 in the last 3 years may not enter this class. (7 mins)	£20.00
X22	School Choir – Girls, Boys or Mixed – 11 years and under – Open entries. Free choice of 2 contrasting pieces. Competitive class with adjudicator comments and marks. Piano or backing track accompaniment. (7 mins)	£20.00
X23	School Choir – Girls, Boys or Mixed – 11 years and under – Open entries. Free choice of 2 contrasting pieces. Non-competitive class with adjudicator comments. Piano or backing track accompaniment. (7 mins)	£20.00
X24	School Choir – Local Authority School with under 100 pupils on roll – 11 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. Competitive class with adjudicator comments and marks. Piano or backing track accompaniment. (7 mins)	£20.00
X25	School Choir – Local Authority School with under 100 pupils on roll – 11 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. Non-competitive class with adjudicator comments. Piano or backing track accompaniment. (7 mins)	£20.00
X26	School Choir – Any Village Primary School with under 100 pupils on roll – 11 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. Competitive class with adjudicator comments and marks. Piano or backing track accompaniment. (7 mins)	£20.00
X27	School Choir – Any Village Primary School with under 100 pupils on roll – 11 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. Non-competitive class with adjudicator comments. Piano or backing track accompaniment. (7 mins)	£20.00
X30	School Choir – Girls, Boys or Mixed – 13 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. Competitive class with adjudicator comments and marks. Piano or backing track accompaniment. (7 mins)	£20.00
X31	School Choir – Girls, Boys or Mixed – 13 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. Non-competitive class with adjudicator comments. Piano or backing track accompaniment. (7 mins)	£20.00
X40	School Choir – Girls, Boys or Mixed – 16 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. Competitive class with adjudicator comments and marks. Piano or backing track accompaniment. (7 mins)	£20.00
X41	School Choir – Girls, Boys or Mixed – 16 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. Non-competitive class with adjudicator comments. Piano or backing track accompaniment. (7 mins)	£20.00
X50	School Choir – Girls, Boys or Mixed – 19 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. Competitive class with adjudicator comments and marks. Piano or backing track accompaniment. (7 mins)	£20.00
X51	School Choir – Girls, Boys or Mixed – 19 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. Non-competitive class with adjudicator comments. Piano or backing track accompaniment. (7 mins)	£20.00

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Music Making, Recorders and Junior Ensembles

 Music stands will be available.

These classes will take place on Saturday 8th March at Pittville School, Cheltenham.

X60	Infant School Music Making – 7 years and under. Own choice. Any form of music making except choirs. Competitive class with adjudicator comments and marks.	£20.00
X61	Infant School Music Making – 7 years and under. Own choice. Any form of music making except choirs. Non-competitive class with adjudicator comments.	£20.00
X70	Recorder Solo – 7 years and under. Own choice. Piano or backing track accompaniment optional. Any recorder. Competitive class with adjudicator comments and marks. (1 min)	£8.00
X71	Recorder Solo – 7 years and under. Own choice. Piano or backing track accompaniment optional. Any recorder. Non-competitive class with adjudicator comments. (1 min)	£8.00
X90	Junior Ensemble – 12 years and under. Own choice. Any number and combination of instruments. Piano optional but pianist must be within class age range. Competitive class. (7 mins)	£20.00
X91	Junior Ensemble – 12 years and under – Novice Entries. Own choice. Any number and combination of instruments. Any school which has won X90 in the last 3 years may not enter this class. Piano optional but pianist must be within class age range. Non-competitive class with adjudication comments. (7 mins)	£13.00

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Piano

Adjudicator – Caroline Tyler  BMus (Hons), MMus

No repeats in Set Pieces.

For own choice classes, pieces should be the standard of the grade but not necessarily from a current existing syllabus.

No candidate may enter more than one grade class in the same age group.

The adjudicator reserves the right to award adjudication with no mark.

Performers must bring an original copy of the music to the class. Failure to do this will mean that the performer will receive adjudication but no mark. See also copyright rules.

Performers are welcome to play up to two pieces of music in any class (except P26) provided that they stay within the given time limit

Piano Workshops (W) are for less experienced performers. Verbal and practical feedback will be given to each entrant by the adjudicator

Piano Performance Classes (PC), for more experienced musicians, will include a more in-depth analysis of their playing by the adjudicator

P01W	Piano Solo – Pre-Grade 1 – Open. Non-competitive workshop with adjudication and certificate. Own choice. (2 mins)	£8.00
P02	Piano Solo – 7 years and under. Own choice. (2 mins)	£8.00
P03	Piano Solo – 9 years and under – Up to and including Grade 2. Own choice. (2 mins)	£8.00
P04W	Piano Solo – Grades 1 to 3 – Open. Non-competitive workshop with adjudication and certificate. Own choice. (3 mins)	£8.00
P05	Piano Solo – 9 years and under – Grade 3 and over. Own choice. (2 mins)	£8.00
P06	Piano Duet – Adult and Child. Non-competitive class with adjudication and certificate. Own choice. (3 mins)	£13.00
P07	Piano Duet – 10 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins)	£13.00
P08	Piano Solo – Jazz, Popular Music, Musical Theatre and Film – 10 years and under – Up to and including Grade 3. Own choice. (3 mins)	£8.00
P09	Piano Solo – 11 years and under – Grade 3 and 4. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins)	£8.00
P10	Piano Solo – 11 years and under – Grade 5 and over. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins)	£8.00
P11	Piano Solo – Jazz, Popular Music, Musical Theatre and Film – 12 years and under – Grade 4 and over. Own choice. (3 mins)	£8.00
P12	Piano Duet or Trio – 12 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins)	£13.00
P13	Piano Solo – 13 years and under – Up to and including Grade 3. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins)	£8.00
P14	Piano Solo – 13 years and under – Grade 4 and 5. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (4 mins)	£8.00
P15PC	Piano Solo – Performance Class – 13 years and under – Grade 6 and over. Non-competitive Performance Class with the opportunity to work one on one with the adjudicator. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (8 mins)	£8.00
P16PC	Piano Solo – Performance Class – Grade 4 to 6 – Open. Non-competitive Performance Class with the opportunity to work one on one with the adjudicator. Own choice. (5 mins)	£8.00
P17	Piano Solo – 13 years and under – Grade 6 and over. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (5 mins)	£8.00
P18	Piano Solo – Jazz, Popular Music, Musical Theatre and Film – 15 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins)	£8.00
P19	Piano Solo – 15 years and under – Up to and including Grade 5. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (5 mins)	£8.00
P20	Piano Solo – 15 years and under – Grade 6 and 7. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (5 mins)	£8.00
P21	Piano Solo – 15 years and under – Grade 8 and above. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (8 mins)	£8.00
P22	Piano Duet or Trio – 15 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins)	£13.00
P23	Piano Solo – School Years 12 and 13. Own choice. (8 mins)	£8.00
P24PC	Piano Solo – Performance Class – Grade 6 to 8 – 18 years and under. Non-competitive Performance Class with the opportunity to work one on one with the adjudicator. Own choice. (8 mins)	£8.00
P25PC	Piano Solo – Performance Class – Post Grade 8 – Open. Non-competitive Performance Class with the opportunity to work one on one with the adjudicator. Own choice. (8 mins)	£8.00
P26	Piano Solo – Open. Own choice, excluding P27. (10 mins)	£16.00
P27	Piano Solo – Sonata – Open. First movement of any Sonata. (12 mins). Longer pieces may be played but the Piano Secretary must be notified at the time of entry.	£16.00
P28	Piano Duet – Open. Own choice. (7 mins)	£16.00
P29	Piano Solo Recital – Open. Two or more contrasting pieces by different composers. Own choice. (15 mins)	£20.00
P30	Piano Solo – Jazz, Popular Music, Musical Theatre and Film – Open. Own choice. (5 mins)	£16.00
P31	Piano Solo – 35 years and over. Own choice. (10 mins)	£16.00
P32	Piano Performer/Presenter Class – Open. For individuals or up to three entrants. Performers will engage their audience by demonstrating their musicianship and performance skills using the piano, spoken word and drama. Participants may deliver their programme in any style, from traditional presentation methods (e.g. poem or monologue) to podcast-style formats. (10 mins)	£16.00

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Strings (including plucked instruments, e.g. harp and guitar)

Adjudicator – Dr Oliver Gledhill  PhD, MA (Mtpp), PGCA, ARCM, FISM

Oliver Gledhill, cellist, was a Scholar at the Guildhall School of Music and won numerous awards including the ISTEL/Redditch Music Society Competition. He studied with many eminent cellists including William Pleeth, Edmund Kurtz and André Navarra. He has given acclaimed recitals at the Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room, including three in the Kirckman Concert Society Series. Festival appearances have included solo performances in England, France, Italy, Mallorca and the Czech Republic. Oliver has recorded nine CDs, including the complete works for cello by Léon Boëllmann, which was awarded five stars for performance by BBC Music Magazine, and has been played on the radio in Australia, Belgium and the USA, and W.H. Squire – Miniatures for Cello and Piano for the British Music Society/Naxos, which was featured as John Brunning’s Drive ‘Discovery’ of the week on Classic FM, and followed a PhD at the Royal Academy of Music/University of London on W.H. Squire, his cello miniatures and the portamento.

Dr Gledhill teaches the cello at Junior Guildhall, in London, and is a member of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama Research Ethics Committee. He also teaches for the Music Specialist School at City of London Academy Highbury Grove. He has edited music for Peters Edition and Durand. His published writings include articles and reviews for the Strad magazine and the British Journal of Music Education. Oliver Gledhill is an Examiner for Trinity College London, and as their cello syllabus consultant composed fifteen graded studies for the current TCL Cello Scales book. As an Adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals, he has adjudicated at over one hundred festivals, including the Finals of Music for Youth on five occasions. His pupil successes include Most Promising String Player awards at the Bedfordshire, Chelmsford, Hatfield, Southend and Watford Festivals, the winner of Junior Guildhall’s Lutine Prize 2020 and the only cello finalist in the Strings Category of BBC Young Musician 2020.

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Performers may not enter a class more than once unless they are playing different instruments.

Performers may play accompanied or unaccompanied. A piano is provided but performers are expected to find their own accompanist. In the event of a large number of entries in any class these will be divided according to instrument.

A performer cannot enter 2 grade related classes (S02 S03 S04 S05) unless they are playing different instruments, e.g. violin and harp.

S01	Any Stringed Instrument – 9 years and under. Own choice. (2 mins)	£8.00
S02	Any Stringed Instrument – Grades 2 and 3. Own choice from any of the major examining boards’ set pieces or publications appropriate to the grade set for the class. (2 mins)	£8.00
S03	Any Stringed Instrument – Grades 4 and 5. As S02. (4 mins)	£8.00
S04	Any Stringed Instrument – Grades 6 and 7. As S02. (5 mins)	£8.00
S05	Any Stringed Instrument – Grade 8 and above. Own choice. (8 mins)	£8.00
S06	Viola – Under 18 years. Own choice. (7 mins)	£8.00
S07	String, Woodwind or Brass Recital – 19 years and under. Any stringed or wind instrument. Own choice of programme. (12 mins)	£13.00
S08	Any Stringed Instrument – School Year 7 and under. Own choice. (3 mins)	£8.00
S09	Any Stringed Instrument – School Year 10 and under. Own choice. (4 mins)	£8.00
S10	Any Stringed Instrument – School Year 13 and under. Own choice. (5 mins)	£8.00
S15	Solo Harp – Grade 5 and under. Own choice from any of the major examining boards’ set pieces or publications appropriate to the grade set for the class. (3 mins)	£8.00
S16	Solo Harp – Grade 6 and above. As S15. (5 mins)	£8.00

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Chamber Music & Ensembles

Performers may not enter a class more than once, unless playing different instruments. Music stands will be available for groups and ensembles.

Special Rules for classes SW35, SW36 and SW37:

1. Players must be playing independent parts.
2. Piano may be included only if it is an integral part of the group eg piano trio.
3. Players may play in more than one group in a class only if playing a different instrument.
4. Players may play in more than one class provided they meet the standard criteria for that class.

SW27	Instrumental Ensemble – School Year 6 and under. 4-9 players playing independent lines. Own choice (10 mins)	£13.00
SW28	Instrumental Ensemble – School Year 9 and under. 4-9 players playing independent lines. Own choice (10 mins)	£13.00
SW30	Instrumental Duo – School Year 9 and under. Any two solo string, woodwind or brass instruments. Piano accompaniment optional. Own choice. (5 mins)	£13.00
SW31	Instrumental Duo – School Year 13 and under. Any two solo string, woodwind or brass instruments. Piano accompaniment optional. Own choice. (8 mins)	£13.00
SW32	Duo – Open – Piano and any string, woodwind or brass instrument. Piano and any string, woodwind or brass instrument. Own choice. (8 mins)	£13.00
SW35	Chamber Music – Elementary – Grade 5 and under – Open Age. Any group of solo instruments (strings, woodwind and brass). 3-9 Players playing independent lines. Piano is acceptable provided it is an integral part of the group and not just an accompaniment, e.g. a piano trio (violin, cello and piano). Own choice of pieces. (6 mins)	£13.00
SW36	Chamber Music – Intermediate – Grade 6 and under – Open Age. As SW35. Own choice (8 mins)	£13.00
SW37	Chamber Music – Advanced – Grade 8 and under – Open Age. As SW35. Own choice (10 mins)	£13.00

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Woodwind & Brass

W03	Solo Woodwind or Brass Instrument – Grades 2 and 3. Own choice from any of the major examining boards’ set pieces or publications appropriate to the grade. (2 mins)	£8.00
W04	Solo Woodwind or Brass Instrument – Grades 4 and 5. As W03. (4 mins)	£8.00
W05	Solo Woodwind or Brass Instrument – Grades 6 and 7. As W03. (5 mins)	£8.00
W06	Solo Woodwind or Brass Instrument – Grades 8 and over. Own choice. (8 mins)	£8.00
W07	Any Woodwind or Brass Instrument – School Year 7 and under. Own choice. (3 mins)	£8.00
W08	Any Woodwind or Brass Instrument – School Year 10 and under. Own choice. (4 mins)	£8.00
W09	Any Woodwind or Brass Instrument – School Year 13 and under. Own choice. (5 mins)	£8.00
W10	Any Woodwind or Brass Instrument – 18 years and under. Own choice. (5 mins)	£8.00
S07	String, Woodwind or Brass Recital – 19 years and under. Any stringed or wind instrument. Own choice of programme. (12 mins)	£13.00

 

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DANCE

Rules for Dance Classes

D1	All General Rules apply to the Dance Classes.
D2	The Festival is not liable for any copyright infringement caused by recordings supplied by the performer.
D3	All backing music for Dance classes must be provided in advance of the Festival by uploading tracks to an online system. This online system will be made available on the CFPA website on 1st February, and all tracks must be uploaded by 1st May.
D4	A Performer may not perform the same Dance in more than one Class.
D5	In the Group classes, all performers must be on the stage and active during the major portion of the dance.
D6	Performers may not dance more than once in any Solo Class. In Duets a performer may only enter one Classical Class and one Cabaret Class, and likewise in Trio classes.
D7	No School may enter more than 3 groups in the Group Classes, and a group must consist of at least 5 persons.
D8	Performers may not transfer to another Class without prior permission from the Festival Office.
D9	Cabaret Duets, Trios and Group classes may include song but should not include vocal on the backing track.
D10	In Tap Classes, only ‘standard’ taps (single sound) must be used.
D11	Pointe work is not permitted for any performer under 13 years of age.
D12	Performers will be allowed to re-dance but will not be eligible for first, second or third place.
D13	Individuals shall not be eligible to perform at the Festival if they have changed dancing schools since 1st September in the year prior to the Festival.  Note:  This rule is in place to allow sufficient time, after an individual has moved to a new dance school, for the dancer’s performance to be appropriately developed by the new teacher, thereby safeguarding the dancer’s physical and psychological wellbeing.
D14	Individuals attending full time vocational dance schools are not eligible to enter.
D15	A Novice is a performer who has not gained 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in any solo section at a comparable Festival. Song is not allowed in the Novice Section. Performers may enter Novice or Open sections, but not both.
D16	Titles for National and Character dances must be brief and succinct.
D17	Competitors will not be allowed to dance out of section under any circumstances.
D18	In the interest of safeguarding, no viewing of performances from the Town Hall balconies will be allowed.
D19	For Health and Safety reasons, only stud earrings may be worn by competitors.

 

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Dance Classes

Adjudicator – Angela Whittle  LISTD,AUKA

Angela trained at Bird College with further professional development at The Centre of Performing Arts. She worked as a dancer and choreographer in the UK and overseas, before taking up freelance teaching work for Sylvia Young, Pineapple Studios, Patricia Hammond Theatre School amongst others. She founded, and is Principal of Westminster School of Performing Arts, a part-time school offering a comprehensive range of subjects to pupils from 3 to 19 years. Angela is a dance adjudicator for The British and International Federation of Festivals and a Licentiate of the I.S.T.D.

 

D01	Solo Dance – 4 years and under. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D02	Ballet Solo – 5 and 6 years. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D03	Ballet Solo – 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D04	Ballet Solo – 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D05	Ballet Solo – 11 and 12 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D06	Ballet Solo – 13 and 14 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D07	Ballet Solo – 15 to 18 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D08	Classical Dance Solo – 5 and 6 years. (To include Character or National) (1 min 30)	£8.00
D09	Character Dance Solo – 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D10	Character Dance Solo – 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D11	Character Dance Solo – 11 and 12 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D12	Character Dance Solo – 13 and 14 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D13	Character Dance Solo – 15 to 18 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D15	National Dance Solo – 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D16	National Dance Solo – 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D17	National Dance Solo – 11 and 12 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D18	National Dance Solo – 13 and 14 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D19	National Dance Solo – 15 to 18 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D20	Classical Dance Duet – Under 9 years. (2 mins 30)	£13.00
D21	Classical Dance Duet – 9 and 10 years. (2 mins 30)	£13.00
D22	Classical Dance Duet – 11 and 12 years. (2 mins 30)	£13.00
D23	Classical Dance Duet – 13 and 14 years. (2 mins 30)	£13.00
D24	Classical Dance Duet – 15 to 18 years. (2 mins 30)	£13.00
D25	Cabaret Dance Duet – Under 9 years. (2 mins 30)	£13.00
D26	Cabaret Dance Duet – 9 and 10 years. (2 mins 30)	£13.00
D27	Cabaret Dance Duet – 11 and 12 years. (2 mins 30)	£13.00
D28	Cabaret Dance Duet – 13 and 14 years. (2 mins 30)	£13.00
D29	Cabaret Dance Duet – 15 to 18 years. (2 mins 30)	£13.00
D30	Classical Dance Group – 10 years and under. (4 mins)	£20.00
D31	Classical Dance Group – 14 years and under. (4 mins)	£20.00
D32	Classical Dance Group – 18 years and under. (4 mins)	£20.00
D33	Cabaret Dance Group – 10 years and under. (4 mins)	£20.00
D34	Cabaret Dance Group – 14 years and under. (4 mins)	£20.00
D35	Cabaret Dance Group – 18 years and under. (4 mins)	£20.00
D36	Cabaret Dance Solo – 5 and 6 years. (To include Tap, Modern or Lyrical. Song not allowed). (1 min 30)	£8.00
D37	Tap Dance Solo – 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D38	Tap Dance Solo – 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D39	Tap Dance Solo – 11 and 12 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D40	Tap Dance Solo – 13 and 14 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D41	Tap Dance Solo – 15 to 18 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D42	Ballet Group – 10 years and under. (4 mins)	£20.00
D43	Ballet Group – 14 years and under. (4 mins)	£20.00
D44	Ballet Group – 18 years and under. (4 mins)	£20.00
D46	Modern Dance Solo – 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D47	Modern Dance Solo – 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D48	Modern Dance Solo – 11 and 12 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D49	Modern Dance Solo – 13 and 14 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D50	Modern Dance Solo – 15 to 18 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D51	Lyrical Modern Dance Solo – 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D52	Lyrical Modern Dance Solo – Under 9 years. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D53	Lyrical Modern Dance Solo – 11 and 12 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D54	Lyrical Modern Dance Solo – 13 and 14 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D55	Lyrical Modern Dance Solo – 15 to 18 years. (2 mins)	£8.00
D56	Song and Dance Solo – 10 years and under. (2 mins)	£8.00
D57	Song and Dance Solo – 11 and 12 years. (2 mins 30)	£8.00
D58	Song and Dance Solo – 13 and 14 years. (2 mins 30)	£8.00
D59	Song and Dance Solo – 15 to 18 years. (2 mins 30)	£8.00
D60	Dance Improvisation – 11 to 13 years. Music for the Improvisation classes will be set by the adjudicator and each performer will hear the music twice before dancing.	£8.00
D61	Dance Improvisation – 14 to 18 years. As D60.	£8.00
D62	Classical Dance Trio – 10 years and under. (2 mins 30)	£16.50
D63	Classical Dance Trio – 14 years and under. (2 mins 30)	£16.50
D64	Classical Dance Trio – 18 years and under. (2 mins 30)	£16.50
D65	Cabaret Dance Trio – 10 years and under. (2 mins 30)	£16.50
D66	Cabaret Dance Trio – 14 years and under. (2 mins 30)	£16.50
D67	Cabaret Dance Trio – 18 years and under. (2 mins 30)	£16.50
D68	Street Dance Group – 10 years and under. (4 mins)	£20.00
D69	Street Dance Group – 14 years and under. (4 mins)	£20.00
D70	Street Dance Group – 18 years and under. (4 mins)	£20.00
D71	Novice Dance Solo – 10 years and under. (1 min 30)	£8.00
D72	Primary School Dance Group – Any style or theme. Maximum number of performers per group, 35. A school can enter more than one group, but children can only take part in one group. No adult participation allowed on stage during performance. (5 mins). Teachers are asked to indicate whether the group is infants or juniors or mixed, as two trophies will be awarded i.e. juniors and infants. This class will be timetabled for the afternoon of Thursday 15th May.	£20.00

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SPEECH & DRAMA

Rules for Speech & Drama

SD1	All General Rules apply to the Speech & Drama Classes.
SD2	Coaching. No instruction, mouthing of words or gestures by a teacher, tutor or parent is allowed during a performance. This and/or any other off-stage direction may result in a loss of marks.
SD3	Prompting.  The adjudicator and steward must not be expected to prompt if words are forgotten; performers are advised to provide their own prompter who must not be their teacher; in case of difficulty, performers may ask for help from the office.
SD4	Performers entering “Own Choice” classes must ensure that the selected pieces are of a suitable standard for the age group. Teachers and students are requested to be aware of the sensitivity of the audience regarding the content of the scenes. Language likely to cause offence must not be included.
SD5	None but hand properties (e.g. a fan, handkerchief, scarf etc.) will be permitted.
SD6	In ‘Own Choice’ classes, a script must be given to the adjudicator before performing in the class.
SD7	Full stage costume must not be used, but limited items to suggest character are permitted. See also General Rule G9.
SD8	Alterations. Performers wishing to request an alteration to their published performance time must inform the Speech and Drama Secretary a minimum of one week before the Speech and Drama Section begins. Requests may not be accepted after this time except in exceptional circumstances.

 

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Adjudicators

Adjudicator – Marcia Carr  MPhil (Lon), BA (Hons), ALAM, LLCM, ALCM, FRSA

Marcia trained at Royal Holloway University of London. She trained in music, dance and drama, and currently facilitates workshops and directs shows for universities, drama schools and theatre departments internationally. She is a qualified Feldenkrais Practitioner, a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

She’s toured internationally, winning Best Performer, Manchester Evening News and Buxton Festival and a Time Out Critics Choice.

Marcia co-created two companies Arts Outburst (an NPO) and Creative Blast Company, delivering educational packages, training young people, developing choirs, Community Companies and producing shows touring nationally and internationally in both theatrical and non-theatrical environments.

She’s an Associate Artist with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, directing shows, developing workshops, Rep Vocal Coach, is on audition panels and leads training, an Adjudicator for The British and International Federation of Festivals and Deputy Chief Examiner for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

 

(Other Speech and Drama adjudicators to be announced).

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Verse & Poetry

The set poems for classes SD01-SD11 can be downloaded by clicking here.

SD00	Welcome class – School Reception Year and under. Performers will receive feedback but this is a non-competitive class, designed to build skills and confidence. Performers should prepare a short poem or rhyme for performance. Performers should prepare to perform alone, but if parental (or similar) presence onstage is needed, this is permitted. If guidance is required on material, please contact the Speech & Drama Secretary.	£5.00
SD01	Verse Speaking – School year 1. Performers are invited to perform the set text: ‘My Face Says It All!’ by Philip Waddell, or any other poem on the theme of ‘Being Naughty’. Performances should be memorised. Time limit: 1 min.	£5.00
SD02	Verse Speaking – School Year 2. Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘Listen and Look’ by Patricia Leighton, or any other poem on the theme of ‘Magical Moments’. Performances should be memorised. Time limit: 1 min.	£5.00
SD03	Verse Speaking – School Year 3. Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘Magic Cat’ by Peter Dixon, or any other poem on the theme of ‘Animals’. Performances should be memorised. Time limit: 2 mins.	£8.00
SD04	Verse Speaking – School Year 4. Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘Dear Mum’ by Brian Patten, or any other poem on the theme of ‘Accidents and Mishaps’. Performances should be memorised. Time limit: 2 mins.	£8.00
SD05	Verse Speaking – School Year 5. Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘Where the Sidewalk Ends’ by Shel Silverstein, or any other poem on the theme of ‘Our World’. Performances should be memorised. Time limit: 2 mins.	£8.00
SD06	Verse Speaking – School Year 6. Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘The Visitor’ by Ian Serrallier, or any other poem on the theme of ‘Spooky Shenanigans’. Performances should be memorised. Time limit: 2 mins.	£8.00
SD07	Verse Speaking – School Year 7. Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘The Disappointed’ by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, or any other poem on the theme of ‘Imperfections’. Performances should be memorised. Time limit: 3 mins.	£8.00
SD08	Verse Speaking – School Year 8. Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘The Trouble with Snowmen’ by Roger McGough, or any other poem on the theme of ‘Family’. Performances should be memorised. Time limit: 3 mins.	£8.00
SD09	Verse Speaking – School Years 9 and 10. Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘Tula: Books are Door Shaped’ by Margarita Engle, or any other poem on the theme of ‘Liberation’. Performances should be memorised. Time limit: 3 mins.	£8.00
SD10	Verse Speaking – School Years 11 to 13. Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘Like an Heiress’ by Grace Nichols, or any other poem on the theme of ‘Legacy’. Performances should be memorised. Time limit: 3 mins.	£8.00
SD11	Verse Speaking – Open – 18 years and over. Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘In Flanders Fields’ by John Macrae, or ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’ by Wilfred Owen. Performances should be memorised. Time limit: 3 mins.	£16.00
JC	The Junior Lyric Championship. For the twelve highest scoring performers from SD05 and SD06. Competitors are invited to recite their medal-winning poem in this class
LC	The Lyric Championship. The top four placings in each of Classes SD07, SD08 and SD09 and SD10 will be invited to perform a lyric poem or sonnet in this prestigious ‘final’ class. Competitors are to recite a poem of lyrical merit in this class. This can be the poem that they qualified with, or a new poem of their own choice.
SD12	Share a Poem – School Years 3 and 4 – a poem for 2 to 4 voices. Movement is permitted. Own choice. It is recommended that performers explore the techniques of unison as well as solo speaking in this class. Entrants will receive one group certificate per entry. Medals will be awarded to the winners of the class. Time limit: 3 mins.	£16.00
SD13	Share A Poem – School Years 5 and 6 – a poem for 2 to 4 voices. As SD12.	£16.00
SD14	Share a Poem – School Years 7 and 8 – a poem for 2 to 4 voices. As SD12. Time limit: 4 mins.	£16.00
SD15	Share a Poem – School Years 9 to 13 – a poem for 2 to 4 voices. As SD14.	£16.00
SD16	Sonnet Class – School Years 10 to 13. Any sonnet of the performer’s choice.	£8.00
SD17	Sonnet Class – Open – 18 years and over. As SD16.	£16.00
SD18	Verse Speaking to a Musical Backing – School Years 6 and under. Any Own Choice poem or extract from a poem spoken with a recorded musical backing. Performers will be required to provide their own playback equipment and are advised to ensure copyright laws are observed with regard to the musical backing. Competitors should be aware that the Festival cannot supply a keyboard or piano in situ. Minimal movement and gesture permitted. Time limit: 3 mins.	£8.00
SD19	Verse Speaking to a Musical Backing – School Years 7 to 9. As SD18.	£8.00
SD20	Verse Speaking to a Musical Backing – School Years 10 to 13. As SD18.	£8.00
SD21	Slam Poetry – School Years 7 to 9. Poems can be about any subject but must be the original work of the performer. No props may be used when performing the poem. No musical accompaniment or musical instruments may be used when performing, but the poet is allowed to sing, clap, hum, or make noise with the mouth or other body parts. Poets may perform on their own or in groups but the entry is classified as one performance. Composition and performance are considered holistically by the adjudicator: poems need not be submitted in advance of the class. Time limit 3 mins.	£8.00
SD22	Slam Poetry – School Years 10 to 13. As SD21.	£8.00
SD23	Slam Poetry – Open. As SD21.	£16.00

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Reading at Sight

 

SD24	Reading at Sight – School Years 4 and under. The performer will be given time to read through the passage, set by the adjudicator, before his/her performance.	£8.00
SD25	Reading at Sight – School Year 5. As SD24.	£8.00
SD26	Reading at Sight – School Year 6. As SD24.	£8.00
SD27	Reading at Sight – School Years 7 and 8. As SD24.	£8.00
SD28	Reading at Sight – School Years 9 and 10. As SD24.	£8.00
SD29	Reading at Sight – School Years 11 to 13. As SD24.	£8.00
SD30	Dramatic Sight Reading – School Years 7 to 9. As SD24.	£8.00
SD31	Dramatic Sight Reading – School Years 10 to 13. As SD24.	£8.00

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Prose Speaking

 

SD32	Prose Speaking – School Years 4 and under. A memorised extract from any book of the performer’s own choice. Performers must provide a copy of the extract for the adjudicator. Time limit: 2 mins	£8.00
SD33	Prose Speaking – School Years 5 and 6. As SD32.	£8.00
SD34	Prose Speaking – School Years 7 and 8. As SD32.	£8.00
SD35	Prose Speaking – School Years 9 to 13. As SD32.	£8.00

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Prose Reading

In all prepared Prose Reading classes performers must provide a copy of the selected reading for the adjudicator.  *Performers are reminded that these are reading classes, not a memorised test.  Extracts should include both narrative and dialogue.

SD36	Prose Reading – School Years 4 and under. A prepared reading from any book of fiction of the performer’s own choice on the theme of ‘My World’. Time limit: 2 mins.	£8.00
SD37	Prose Reading – School Years 5 and 6. A prepared reading from any book of fiction of the performer’s own choice on the theme of ‘Learning Lessons’. Time limit: 2 mins.	£8.00
SD38	Prose Reading – School Years 7 and 8. A prepared reading from any book of fiction of the performer’s own choice on the theme of ‘Conflict’. Time limit: 2 mins.	£8.00
SD39	Prose Reading – School Years 9 to 13. A prepared reading from any book of the performer’s own choice on the theme of ‘Ambition’, preceded by a recommendation and personal appreciation which must be spoken freely and without notes. Performers are reminded that these are reading classes, not a memorised test. Extracts should include both narrative and dialogue. Time limit: 3 mins.	£8.00
SD40	Prose Reading – Open – 18 years and over. A prepared reading from any book of the performer’s own choice, preceded by a recommendation and personal appreciation which must be spoken freely and without notes. Performers are reminded that these are reading classes, not a memorised test. Extracts should include both narrative and dialogue. Time limit: 3 mins.	£16.00
SD41	Reading to an Audience – Open. Open to novice speakers of any age for whom English is an acquired language to give an opportunity to gain confidence and experience at speaking in public. Performers are asked to announce the title and author of their selection and to bring a copy for the adjudicator. Test piece: Any poem or prose extract of the speaker’s own choice. Time limit: 2 mins.	Free of Charge
SD42	Prepared Reading from the Bible – School Years 7 to 13 – Own choice. Authorised Version only because of the challenge of the vivid and historical language. Performers are reminded that this is a reading class, not an acting class, and are asked to perform accordingly. Time limit: 2 mins.	£8.00
SD43	Prepared Reading from the Bible – Open – 18 years and over. As SD42. Time limit: 3 mins.	£16.00
SD44	Prepared Reading from a Holy Book – School Years 6 and under. The reading may be from a Holy Book from any faith, to be read in English. This can include modern versions of the English Bible. Performers are reminded that this is a reading and not an acting class and are asked to perform accordingly. Time limit: 2 mins.	£8.00
SD45	Prepared Reading from a Holy Book – School Years 7 to 13. As SD44. Time limit: 3 mins.	£8.00
SD46	Recital on a Theme – School Years 6 and under. The performer will present at least one prose selection and one verse reading supported by an introduction to the theme, linking of the selections and a conclusion. Dramatic extracts will be accepted if time allows. Introduction, links and conclusion must be spoken freely and without notes. Time limit: 5 mins.	£8.00
SD47	Recital on a Theme – School Years 7 to 13. As SD46. Time limit: 5 mins.	£8.00
SD48	Duet Recital – School Years 7 to 13. The performers will present at least one prose selection and one verse reading supported by an introduction to the theme, linking of the selections and a conclusion. Dramatic extracts will be accepted if time allows. Introduction, links and conclusion must be spoken freely and without notes. Time limit: 5 mins.	£13.00

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Acting

Attention is drawn to the time limits which must be strictly adhered to. Performers who overrun may be penalised. See rules G6 and SD3. In Duologue classes a younger performer may partner an older one provided he/she does not enter any other age group. Performers may enter in only one duologue class. Multiple entries including one performer will not be processed. Performers are requested to be aware of the sensitivity of the audience regarding the content of the scenes. Language likely to cause offence must not be included. Please refer to Rule SD6.

SD49	Duologue – School Years 4 and under. A scene taken from a published play or novel, or an Examination Board syllabus. Shakespeare scenes are acceptable. Television sketches and improvised scripts are not allowed. Own choice. Time limit: 5 mins.	£13.00
SD50	Duologue – School Years 5 and 6. As SD49. Time limit: 5 mins.	£13.00
SD51	Duologue – School Years 7 and 8. As SD49. Time limit: 6 mins.	£13.00
SD52	Duologue – School Years 9 and 10. As SD49. Time limit: 6 mins.	£13.00
SD53	Duologue – School Years 11 to 13. As SD49. Time limit: 7 mins.	£13.00
SD54	Solo Acting – School Years 4 and under. A scene taken from a published play or novel, or an Examination Board syllabus. Shakespeare scenes are acceptable. Television sketches, monologues and improvised scripts are not allowed. Own choice. Time limit: 4 mins.	£8.00
SD55	Solo Acting – School Years 5 and 6. As SD54.	£8.00
SD56	Solo Acting – School Years 7 and 8. As SD54. Time limit: 5 mins.	£8.00
SD57	Solo Acting – School Years 9 and 10. As SD54 but Shakespeare scenes are not permitted. Time limit: 5 mins.	£8.00
SD58	Solo Acting – School Years 11 to 13. As SD54 but Shakespeare scenes are not permitted. Time limit: 6 mins.	£8.00
SD59	Solo Acting – Open – 19 years and over. As SD54 but Shakespeare scenes are not permitted. Time limit: 6 mins.	£16.00
SD60	Masterclass – School Years 6 to 9. Performers should be prepared to share a short audition speech in this session.	£8.00
SD61	Masterclass – School Years 10 to 13. As SD60.	£8.00
SD62	Shakespeare Scene by One Person – School Years 6 and under. Own choice. Time limit: 3 mins.	£8.00
SD63	Shakespeare Scene by One Person – School Years 7 to 10. Own choice. Time limit: 4 mins.	£8.00
SD64	Shakespeare Scene by One Person – School Years 11 to 13. Own choice. Time limit: 5 mins.	£8.00
SD65	Shakespeare Scene by One Person – Open – 18 years and over. Own choice. Time limit: 6 mins.	£16.00

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Musical Theatre

 

SD66	Scene from Musical Theatre played by one person – School Years 6 and under. Own choice. An improvised scene of the performer’s own devising creating a situation and character which will reflect the original mood and intention of the song. There should be a balance between time given to improvised dialogue and time given to acting through song. For copyright reasons the use of the original storyline and character is strictly prohibited. Performers must provide their own accompaniment and playback and should be aware that the Festival cannot supply a keyboard or piano in situ. It is the responsibility of the performer to ensure that copyright laws are observed. Time limit: 4 mins.	£8.00
SD67	Scene from Musical Theatre played by one person – School Years 7 to 9. As SD66.	£8.00
SD68	Scene from Musical Theatre played by one person – School Years 10 to 13. As SD66. Time limit: 5mins.	£8.00
SD69	Scene from Musical Theatre played by one person – Open – 18 years and over. As SD68.	£16.00
SD70	Share-a-Scene from Musical Theatre – School Years 6 and under. A scene for 2 – 4 performers. Own choice. An improvised scene of the performer’s own devising creating a situation and character which will reflect the original mood and intention of the song. There should be a balance between time given to improvised dialogue and time given to acting through song. For copyright reasons the use of the original storyline and character is strictly prohibited. Performers must provide their own accompaniment and playback and should be aware that the Festival cannot supply a keyboard or piano in situ. It is the responsibility of the performers to ensure that copyright laws are observed. Entrants will receive one group certificate per entry. Medals will be awarded to the winners of the class. Time limit: 5 mins.	£13.00
SD71	Share-a-Scene from Musical Theatre – School Years 7 to 9. As SD70.	£16.00
SD72	Share-a-Scene from Musical Theatre – School Years 10 to 13. As SD70. Time limit: 7 mins.	£16.00
SD73	Share-a-Scene from Musical Theatre – Open – 18 years and over. As SD70. Time limit: 8 mins.	£16.00

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Mime

 

SD74	Solo Mime – School Years 6 and under. Own choice. Title to be chosen and announced by the performer. The use of music is permitted. The use of stage or hand properties is not allowed. Time limit: 4 mins.	£8.00
SD75	Solo Mime – School Years 7 to 13. As SD74	£8.00
SD76	Duo Mime – School Years 6 and under. As SD74.	£13.00
SD77	Duo Mime – School Years 7 to 13. As SD74.	£13.00

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Communications

 

SD78	Informative Speech – School Years 6 and under. A talk about an object of special significance. The performer must engage with his/her object during the talk. Time limit: 4 mins.	£8.00
SD79	Public Speaking – Individual – School Years 7, 8 and 9. A prepared speech on any subject of the speaker’s own choice. Performers should be aware that the Festival does not provide technological elements or support. Any technical requirements must be supplied and operated by the performer and should not take a disproportionate amount of time to set up. Time limit: 5 mins.	£8.00
SD80	Public Speaking – Individual – School Years 10 to 13. As SD79.	£8.00
SD81	Business Pitch – School Years 6 and under. Performers should prepare and deliver a short business pitch centred on a toy of their choice. Credit will be given for use of facts and figures, basic business language, interaction with the chosen object, and charismatic delivery. Time limit: 2 mins.	£8.00
SD82	Business Pitch – School Years 7 to 9. As SD81, but centring on a domestic product of their choice. Time limit: 3 mins.	£8.00
SD83	Business Pitch – School Years 10 to 13. As SD81.	£8.00
SD84	Public Speaking – Team of three – School Years 7, 8 and 9. A team of three: a Chairman to introduce the Speaker, a Speaker to give a prepared speech on any subject of the Team’s own choice, and a Proposer of a vote of thanks. Overall time limit: 10 mins.	£16.00
SD85	Public Speaking – Team of three – School Years 10 to 13. As SD84.	£16.00

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Devised & Improvised Work

 

SD86	Solo Devised Scene – School Years 6 and under. Performers can devise the scene based on any stimulus of their choice. Time limit: 2 mins.	£8.00
SD87	Solo Devised Scene – School Years 7 to 9. As SD86. Time limit: 3 mins.	£8.00
SD88	Solo Devised Scene – School Years 10 to 13. As SD86. Time limit: 4 mins.	£8.00
SD89	Duo Devised Scene – School Years 6 and under. As SD86. Time limit: 3 mins.	£13.00
SD90	Duo Devised Scene – School Years 7 to 9. As SD86. Time limit: 4 mins.	£13.00
SD91	Duo Devised Scene – School Years 10 to 13. As SD86. Time limit: 5 mins.	£13.00
SD92	Solo Improvisation – School Years 6 and under. Performers will be given a stimulus 5 minutes ahead of their performance. Time limit: 2 mins.	£8.00
SD93	Solo Improvisation – School Years 7 to 9. As SD92. Time limit: 3 mins.	£8.00
SD94	Solo Improvisation – School Years 10 to 13. As SD92. Time limit: 4 mins.	£8.00

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Group Work

 

SD95	Choral Speaking – Novice – School Years 3 and under. Own choice. Group size between 5 and 35 performers. Credit will be given for the exploration of varying dynamics within the delivery. Time limit: 4 mins.	£20.00
SD96	Choral Speaking – Junior – School Years 6 and under. As SD95.	£20.00
SD97	Choral Speaking – Senior – School Years 7 to 13. As SD95.	£20.00
SD98	Junior Devised Drama – School Years 6 and under. A performance by a group of between 5 and 35 performers and based on a stimulus of their own choice. Please note this is not just an improvisation class. The programme should be linked together smoothly and should include at least 3 of the following skills Solo Verse, Prose, Choral Speaking, Live Music using instruments, Recorded Music, Mime, Dance and Movement. Time limit: 10 mins.	£20.00
SD99	Intermediate Devised Drama – School Years 7, 8 and 9. As SD98. Time limit: 12 mins.	£20.00
SD100	Senior Devised Drama – School Years 10 to 13. As SD98. Time limit: 15 mins.	£20.00
SD101	Junior Dramatic Drama – School Years 6 and under. Own choice of text. Group size between 3 and 35 performers. Time limit 10 mins.	£20.00
SD102	Intermediate Dramatic Drama – School Years 7, 8 and 9. As SD101. Time limit: 12 mins.	£20.00
SD103	Senior Dramatic Drama – School Years 10 to 13. As SD101. Time limit: 15 mins.	£20.00
SD104	Junior Group Mime – School Years 6 and under. Own choice of story / plot. Group size between 5 and 35 performers. Recorded or live music / sound effects can be used. Time limit: 5 mins.	£20.00
SD105	Senior Group Mime – School Years 7 to 13. Own choice of story / plot. Group size between 5 and 35 performers. Recorded or live music / sound effects can be used. Time limit: 5 mins.	£20.00
SD106	Radio Play Junior – School Years 6 and under. The group must be a minimum of three and a maximum of twelve performers. The performance should be a static vocal performance of a play text; film, radio or television text; or adaptation from a novel. Sound effects may be created on stage but recorded sound effects are not permitted. The lines need not be learned, and scripts must be referred to throughout. Time limit: 5 mins.	£20.00
SD107	Radio Play Senior – School Years 7 to 13. As SD106. Time limit: 10 mins.	£20.00

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Accessible Classes

 

SD108	Theme – Open Age Group – 3 to 35 performers. This class is restricted to children and adults with Special Educational Needs. The group consisting of between 3 and 35 performers – and including support assistants – will present a programme based on a stimulus of their own choice and which includes a variety of skills linked together smoothly. Time limit: 15 mins.	£20.00
SD109	Scripted Scene – School Years 7 to 13. This class is restricted to children and teenagers with Special Educational Needs. A dramatic performance piece of the performers’ own choice. This should be taken from a play text, film script, television screenplay or adapted from a novel. Time limit: 10 mins.	£8.00
SD110	Individual or duo poetry performance of competitor’s own choice – School Years 6 and under. This class is restricted to children and adults with Special Educational Needs. A poetry performance of the performer’s own choice. This may be read, recited from memory, spoken to music, or include movement. It may be published or original work. There are no limits! Time limit: 2 mins	£8.00
SD111	Individual or duo dramatic performance of competitor’s own choice – School Years 6 and under. This class is restricted to children and with Special Educational Needs. A dramatic performance of the performer’s own choice. This may be acting, devising, mime, comedy sketches or Musical Theatre. Time limit: 3 mins	£8.00
SD112	Individual or duo poetry performance of competitor’s own choice – School Years 7 to 11. This class is restricted to children and teenagers with Special Educational Needs. A poetry performance of the performer’s own choice. This may be read, recited from memory, spoken to music, or include movement. It may be published or original work. There are no limits! Time limit: 3 mins	£8.00
SD113	Individual or duo dramatic performance of competitor’s own choice – School Years 7 to 11. This class is restricted to children and teenagers with Special Educational Needs. A dramatic performance of the performer’s own choice. This may be acting, devising, mime, comedy sketches or Musical Theatre. Time limit: 4 mins	£8.00
SD114	Individual or duo communication performance of competitor’s own choice – School Years 7 to 11. This class is restricted to children and teenagers with Special Educational Needs. A communication performance of the performer’s own choice. This may be a speech, a business pitch, a television / radio news broadcast (for example) but there are no restrictions. Time limit: 5 mins.	£8.00
SD115	Individual or duo poetry performance of competitor’s own choice – Open – School Years 12 and over. This class is restricted to young adults with Special Educational Needs. A poetry performance of the performer’s own choice. This may be read, recited from memory, spoken to music, or include movement. It may be published or original work. There are no limits! Time limit: 4 mins	£8.00
SD116	Individual or duo dramatic performance of competitor’s own choice – Open – School Years 12 and over. This class is restricted to young adults with Special Educational Needs. A dramatic performance of the performer’s own choice. This may be acting, devising, mime, comedy sketches or Musical Theatre. Time limit: 5 mins	£8.00
SD117	Individual or duo communication performance of competitor’s own choice – Open – School Years 12 and over. This class is restricted to young adults with Special Educational Needs. A communication performance of the performer’s own choice. This may be a speech, a business pitch, a television / radio news broadcast (for example) but there are no restrictions. Time limit: 6 mins.	£8.00

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Comedy

 

SD118	Stand Up Comedy – Open – School Years 6 and under. The performer should tell some of their favourite jokes to the audience. Credit will be given for personal branding, connection between jokes, timing, and ability to engage an audience. Time limit: 2 mins	£8.00
SD119	Stand Up Comedy – School Years 7 to 11. The performer should deliver a short comedy set to the audience. This routine should be largely original, but may feature jokes and elements from other comedians. Credit will be given for personal branding, spontaneity, segues between jokes, timing, and ability to engage an audience. Time limit: 4 mins	£8.00
SD120	Stand Up Comedy – Open – School Years 12 and over and adult. The performer should deliver a short comedy set to the audience. This routine should be largely original, but may feature jokes and elements from other comedians. Credit will be given for personal branding, spontaneity, segues between jokes, timing, and ability to engage an audience. Time limit: 4 mins	£8.00

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Original Work Classes – Own Composition

Own Composition classes will be adjudicated digitally and attendance at the Festival is not required. Competitors will each receive a digital feedback sheet to their registered email address and the results will be posted on the CFPA social media channels during the Festival. Medals will not be awarded as standard for these classes: but if a placed competitor wishes to purchase the relevant medal at the Festival Office, they may do so on presentation of the appropriate feedback sheet.  

Own Composition entries must be received on-line by 1st February 2026 and uploaded either as a Word or pdf file to CFPA’s website, typed, but must not include the writer’s name, by 1st April 2026. Trophies will be awarded at the Lyric Championship event.

POETRY: Not to exceed 3 minutes reading time each. Limit: 3 poems per person. The fee per poem is shown here.

SD121	Poetry Own Composition – School Years 6 and under.	£8.00
SD122	Poetry Own Composition – School Years 7 to 11.	£8.00
SD123	Poetry Own Composition – Open.	£16.00

STORYWRITING: Limit: 3 stories per person. The fee per story is shown here.

SD124	Original Storywriting – School Years 6 and under. Maximum 500 words	£8.00
SD125	Original Storywriting – School Years 7 to 11. Maximum 750 words.	£8.00
SD126	Original Storywriting – Open. Maximum 1000 words.	£16.00

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Digital Classes

Film and TikTok classes: as Own Composition (see above).   

Entries must be received on-line by 1st February 2026 and submitted to CFPA by 1st April 2026. 

SD127	Short Film – School Years 3 and under. To be based on a Nursery Rhyme & Fairytale. The film will be adjudicated based on all the composite elements of storytelling, filming and editing inherent in the film. Acting, performing, costume, lighting, sound will be credited on their appropriateness for the subject. The film can be live action, stop motion, cartoon… absolutely anything the film maker chooses. It can adhere to or deviate from the original – your decision. There are no limits, other than the time limit of 1 minute – let your imagination fly. The entry fee is per film and can be created by any number of people within the age range.	£8.00
SD128	Short Film – School Years 4 to 6. To be based on a scene from a book, poem or piece of art. As SD127. Time limit: 1 min 30 secs.	£8.00
SD129	Short Film – School Years 7 to 9. An original advert for a product of your choice. As SD127. Time limit: 2 mins.	£8.00
SD130	Short Film – School Years 10 to 13. A movie trailer for an existing or imaginary film. As SD127. Time limit: 2 mins 30 secs.	£8.00
SD131	TikTok – School Years 6 to 8. Solo, Duo or Group. Create a TikTok routine from a poem or section of a poem of your choice. Credit will be given from the way in which moves reflect the meaning of the words. Time limit: 1 min.	£13.00
SD132	TikTok – School Years 9 to 13. As SD131. Time limit: 2 mins	£13.00

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COPYRIGHT RULES

Music Publishers Association (MPA)

We are pleased to announce that we are now a signatory to the MPA Code of Fair Practice (revised for 2012) agreed between composers, publishers and users of printed music. As such, a specific permission has been granted regarding photocopying as follows:

Important: This permission only applies to the adjudicator’s copy and all other copies used for the performance (e.g. by the performer and/or accompanist), including any copy made by electronic means, must be legally purchased originals.

Adjudicator’s copy: a person performing a work at the Festival in front of an adjudicator may make one copy for the adjudicator provided that the performer has an original copy and that the copy made is retained and destroyed by the adjudicator immediately after the performance. The copy must be marked with the following ‘Adjudicator’s copy – destroy after use’.

This only applies to the music publishers who have agreed to adhere to the standards set out in the MPA’s Code of Fair Practice – see full list: http//.mpaonline.org.uk/associated_companies)

Author’s Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS)

Our group licence agreement with ALCS allows for permission for:

Poetry, Prose and Solo Monologue Performances as follows:

• Speech and Drama Festivals to include spoken performances of poetry and prose to a limit of 10 minutes duration.
• Solo Dramatic items may also qualify for copyright indemnity provided that the item is announced with title and author at the time of the performance and the performer must not change the words or gender of the character.

Important: For duologues and all other group dramatic works (including Musical Theatre), in the absence of any other licensing arrangement, the onus on gaining copyright permission, and paying any royalty fees due, rests with the performer.

Performing Rights Society (PRS)

Our group licence agreement with PRS allows permission for Instrument and Vocal classes to:

• Perform music compositions
• Play recorded music as an accompaniment/backing track if required.

and for Songs from the Shows or Song and Dance classes to perform excerpts from musical plays provided that:

• the excerpt does not exceed 25 minutes duration,
• it is not a complete act of the musical play,
• it does not constitute a” potted version” of the musical play,
• it is performed without any change to either music or lyrics and using only the published or authorised musical arrangements,
• there is no use made of any form of scenery, costume, choreography, staging, character representation or special lighting which gives a visual impression or other portrayal of the writer’s original conception of the work from which the excerpt is taken.

PPL – Music licensing for recorded music played in public

We have obtained the necessary licences from PPL to play recorded music at our Festival as an accompaniment / backing track if required.

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ACCOMPANISTS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Entrants are advised that the Festival no longer offers official accompanists. It is the responsibility of performers who require an accompanist to make their own arrangements in good time before the Festival. Performers must expect to pay their accompanist a fee for both the Festival performance and any rehearsals. Accompanists’ rates are not set by the Festival.

The following accompanists have agreed to their names being published in this syllabus.

Fiona Brown	01242 576069	fmbsoundmatters@gmail.com
Sara Harris	07906 339835	sejet@hotmail.co.uk   (vocal, strings, wind)
Helen Marcus	01452 855890	helenmarcus@blueyonder.co.uk  (wind)
Michael Castle	07896 624715	mccastlemusic@gmail.com
James Quinn	07732 179221	jamesquinnpiano@gmail.com

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CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT

Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts believes that no child or young person should ever experience abuse of any kind.  We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and practise in a way that protects them.

CFPA recognises that the welfare of children is paramount and that, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, they have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.  Furthermore, CFPA believes that some children and young people are additionally vulnerable because of their level of dependency or their communication needs and that working in partnership with their parents, teachers and carers is essential in guaranteeing their welfare.

CFPA will seek to keep children and young people safe by practising a range of measures to ensure a safe environment at its Festivals for children and young people.  These measures are fully set out in CFPA’s Child Protection Policy which can be seen in full on CFPA’s website.

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CREATING A SAFE FESTIVAL 

The Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts implements the following procedures to create a safe Festival for everyone:

1. A designated Festival Safeguarding Officer (FSO) is appointed to oversee all aspects of safeguarding.
2. Best practice advice, support and training is given to all Festival staff and volunteers, including clear reporting procedures for anyone with a concern about a child.
3. Appropriate recruitment and/or induction procedures are applied for all Festival staff and volunteers.
4. All Festival stewards wear an official identification lanyard and teachers/parents/guardians/carers are asked to report all incidents of any nature to anyone wearing a lanyard. All reported incidents will be handled in accordance with child protection best practice advice and, if appropriate, in a quiet area/room where concerns can be expressed in private.
5. For the duration of the Festival all teachers/parents/guardians/carers are responsible for the continuous care and supervision of their own children/pupils/vulnerable adults. If they are unable to attend personally, they must delegate their responsibilities to an identified adult and ensure that their children/pupils/vulnerable adults are aware of the identity and name of the person responsible for their care. This includes supervision throughout all Festival venues, performance, rehearsal and changing areas.
6. No unauthorised photography or video, digital or tape recording of any performance is allowed. If parents/guardians/carers do not wish photos or video recording to be taken of any child in their care, then the responsible adult attending should ensure that their child/pupil is not included in officially authorised photos.
7. If any child or vulnerable adult has a specific need in order to take part in the Festival, we ask the responsible teacher/parent/guardian/carer to contact the Festival prior to arrival. The Festival will seek, wherever possible, to meet the identified need, but must be informed beforehand in order to prepare support – or to advise that help cannot be provided on this occasion.
8. By completing and submitting the entry form all parents / guardians / carers and teachers of entrants under 18 (or vulnerable adults of any age) confirm that they give (or have obtained, or will obtain) all necessary consents for the entrants to take part in the Festival.

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY STATEMENT

The Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts is committed to provide equal opportunity for everyone to participate in its affairs and contribute to its objectives.  The Festival does not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other unlawful reason.

This commitment extends to every aspect of the Festival’s operation and applies to all performers, volunteers, sponsors, and suppliers.

The principles of non-discrimination and equal opportunities also apply to the way in which the Festival treats visitors and members of the public.

CPA’s Equal Opportunities Policy can be found on our website and a copy can be requested, either by email, or by sending a stamped and addressed envelope to the Hon. Secretary.

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PRIVACY STATEMENT

The Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts (CFPA) needs to collect and use certain information about individuals in order to run the Festival successfully. To protect individuals’ privacy CFPA ensures that personal information is treated lawfully and correctly. CFPA complies fully with current data protection legislation (General Data Protection Regulations – May 2018).

Data collected is processed fairly and lawfully; is used only for specific and lawful purposes; is accurate, adequate, relevant and not excessive; is kept for no longer than is necessary; is collected and processed in accordance with the rights of individuals; is kept secure, and is not transferred to countries that do not offer adequate data protection.

The only personal data that CFPA publishes in the Festival programme and on its website are the names of Festival performers (and the contact details of CFPA trustees and officers). All other personal data is kept secure. Personal data will not be given to any third party without the prior consent of the individual (or their parent, guardian, or teacher, in the case of a child), but will be disclosed to law enforcement agencies if requested. All Festival personnel are made aware of their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations.

CFPA’s Data Protection Policy can be found on our website.
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ACCESSIBILITY

The ground floor of the Town Hall is accessible from street level without encountering any steps by using the ramps. The entrance on the right-hand side has automatic doors. There is an induction loop system on the ground floor of the Town Hall and accessible toilets at the rear of the main hall. The Town Hall has a lift to assist performers on to the stage if required.

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Friends of the Festival

Become a Friend of the Festival for 2026 and get free spectator entry to all Festival classes and a free souvenir programme.

This year we are asking for a minimum donation of £30, which will cover the cost of your spectator’s ticket and a souvenir programme which you will be able to collect from the Festival desk at the Town Hall.

Please download and complete the Friends’ form.

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Don’t Hesitate to Donate!

Your donations are part of keeping the Festival running from year to year. It is surprising how much it costs to stage this 12-day event, from professional adjudication to the certificates and medals and many more ‘behind the scenes’ expenses – and unfortunately we don’t always break even!

If you have a few minutes we would be extremely grateful for any donation you would like to give to help secure the future of the Festival.

There are several ways you can donate:

Internet Banking to Set up a Standing Order or for a Single Donation.

Give as much or as little as you want each month, or as a one-off donation.

Account Name: The Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts

Account Number:  76919363

Sort Code:  30-98-97

Send a Cheque or Postal Order in the post.

If you would prefer to send a donation in the post, please send cheques or postal orders made out to Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts to:

The Treasurer, 8 Battle Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 5TZ (Do not send cash in the post.)

Leave us a legacy in your Will

Legacy gifts can provide important support to the Festival. We suggest that you discuss your intentions with your solicitor who can advise on the best way to leave a gift.

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