Headteacher Approval Information

All children performing classes during school hours must have the approval of the Headteacher of their school in order to participate at the Festival. The Children and Young Persons Act 1963 states in section 37 that a child shall not take part in public performances except under the authority of a licence granted by the …read More

Syllabus 2024

Syllabus 2024 for the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts 9th May to 18th May – 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 …read More

Syllabus 2023

Syllabus 2023 for the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts 3rd May to 13th May – 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 …read More

Child Licensing & Headteacher Approval

  Is a child performing during school time? If so, Headteacher Approval MUST be obtained and brought to the Front Desk of the Festival on arrival. In addition, does the child attend a local authority-maintained school? If so, a Child Licence will also be required. The application form must be submitted to the Festival (to info@cfpa.org.uk) …read More

How to Enter

The entry system will operate from the beginning of December until the closing date for entries, which is 1st February, 2024. Individual performers or groups must enter for the Festival online and to do this you must have an account.  Follow the steps below to set up an account, which can then then be used …read More

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 Keith Nutland Award. See special rules for Keith Nutland competition. G3 No persons gaining all or a principal part of their livelihood by music, speech, drama or dancing …read More

Get Writing – Own Composition

If you enjoy creative writing or poetry composition then why not enter our Own Composition classes. First, enter the appropriate class using the on-line entry process and pay the appropriate fee (see How to Enter if you need guidance).  Then, when your composition is ready, use the form below to send it to us.  Each …read More

On the Day

If this is your first Festival you may be wondering what you need to do on the day when you are performing. The date, time and venue for your class will be published on this website in early April. Do arrive in plenty of time and sign in.  Go to the room where your performance …read More