First time at the festival? This is what happens, from walking into Cheltenham Town Hall to leaving with a certificate. It’s simpler than it sounds, and the stewards have answered every question before.
Before you set off
- Check your class time. The timetable is published on this website on 1 March 2027, and classes can start up to 15 minutes early.
- If your class needs a copy of your music or script for the adjudicator, pack it. The class description and the rules say which classes do.
- Download any backing track to a phone, tablet or laptop before you leave home. There’s no public wifi in the Town Hall and the mobile signal is poor. Dance tracks are uploaded in advance, so dancers have nothing to bring.
- If you need an accompanist, you arrange them yourself.
- Dress neatly. The rules say appearance is taken into account.
- Every performer under 16 needs a chaperone. If they’re missing school, bring the headteacher’s approval, on paper or on your phone. How to enter explains both.
When you arrive
Sign in at the Front Desk. Then head to the room for your class a few minutes before it starts. If someone is performing, wait outside and go in during the applause. Let the steward know you’re there.
Entered two classes that clash? Go first to the one where you appear earlier in the order, and tell the steward.
Performing
Performers go on in the order printed in the programme. When your name is called, go up with your accompanist if you have one. Miss your turn and you’ll be called again at the end of the class, but the adjudicator won’t wait.
Time limits are strict. Running over costs a mark for every minute or part of a minute.
Nobody can coach from the audience, and that includes mouthing the words. There’s no photography or recording anywhere in the Town Hall either, phones included. That’s for child protection and copyright reasons.
Results and certificates
Once everyone in the class has performed, the adjudicator gives the results and feedback on each performance. Certificates with the adjudicator’s comments are ready at the end of the class. Collect yours before you leave the room.
In classes for 10 and under, gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded whatever the size of the class. For older performers it depends on how many are in the class.
A cup or trophy needs a mark of at least 85. An adult signs for it and leaves contact details before taking it home. Some cups are presented later, so ask at the Front Desk if you’re not sure. Cups go back before the next festival, and the rules say where.
Coming to watch
Family and friends are welcome. Anyone over 18 who isn’t performing needs a day ticket, which costs £7 and covers every class that day. If you’re coming on more than one day, a Multiple Entry Ticket costs £30. Friends of the Festival get in free.
The festival is at Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA. If anyone in your group needs help to perform or to watch, email secretary@cfpa.org.uk before the festival.
Next steps
Anything else? Email info@cfpa.org.uk.