| 1 ENTRIES: All entries must be made via online booking, and require online payment. Entries are accepted at the discretion of the Committee. Entries may close early if numbers have reached the maximum. Classes may be merged or divided according to the number of entries received. Entries are accepted on the understanding that all entrants have read and accepted the Regulations and associated polices of the Festival (Child Performance Licensing, Safeguarding and Data Protection) |
| 2 REFUNDS: No refund of fees will be made unless the Committee finds it necessary to alter or cancel any class. |
| 3 ELIGIBILITY: Only amateurs may enter competitive classes. Professionals may enter non-competitive classes, and may take part in competitive classes as a conductor, an accompanist or a performer in the Original Composition class (although not as the composer). No person who is being, or who has been taught by an Adjudicator for any class may compete in that class. |
| 4 AGE GROUPS: In age group classes, performers must enter the correct class according to their school year. No performer is allowed to enter a class where there is another class in the same discipline for a younger age group for which they would qualify. |
| 5 NUMBER OF ENTRIES PER PERFORMER: Only one entry may be made in each solo class, and the same piece may not be performed in more than one class. A performer may enter more than once in a duet, trio, quartet or ensemble class providing a different part is performed each time with a different partner. A maximum of five classes may be entered per half day. Any classes which cannot be attended as a result of over-booking will not be refunded. |
| 6 ADJUDICATORS: The Committee reserves the right to appoint a different Adjudicator if the one announced is unable to attend, or if additional help is needed. |
| 7 ATTENDANCE: Performers must report to the Session President in time for the start of their class unless prior notice has been given to the Session President of difficulties relating to other commitments within the Festival. Those absent at the appointed time will be able to compete only at the discretion of the Session President. Entry to or exit from a Performance Room will not be permitted during individual performances or adjudications. |
| 8 PERFORMANCE: Performers are required to complete their performance within the stated time limit. Overruns are liable to deduction of marks. A paper copy of the piece to be performed must be provided for the Adjudicator at the time of performance. Copies are destroyed after performance in accordance with copyright legislation. |
| 9 COMPLAINTS: In the event of a complaint, please put your submission in writing to the Festival Secretary by the end of the festival weekend. The complaint will be reviewed upon receipt of a £30 fee. The fee will be be refunded if the protest is upheld. Under no circumstances should the Adjudicator be approached with any complaint over marking or any other matter. |
| 10 RECORDING: The use of recording equipment of any kind during the course of any class is forbidden, and anyone violating this rule will be asked to leave the class. An official photographer may be present at the festival. If parents do not wish their children to be photographed, the responsible adult attending with the performer must ensure they are withdrawn. |
| 11 MARKING & AWARDS: Marking is in accordance with the standardisation system operated by the British and International Federation of Festivals DEVELOPING (65-69) A performance demonstrating an awareness of technical skills, requiring more consistency & artistry. PROGRESSING (70-74) A performance showing development of technique and/or communication and commitment. MERIT (75-79) A competent performance, showing some artistic awareness and/or technical ability. COMMENDED (80-84) A convincing performance technically & artistically, with increasing stylistic & communication skills. HONOURS (85-89) An excellent performance, demonstrating fluent technical and artistic skills with emerging individuality. OUTSTANDING (90-94) An impressive performance technically and artistically, displaying spontaneity & clear individuality. EXCEPTIONAL (95+) A superlative performance, displaying exceptional artistic individuality. The following Place awards are made at the adjudicator's discretion. 1st Place - 5 or fewer entries 2nd Place - 6 to 8 entries 3rd Place - 9 or more entries. The adjudicator's decision in all matters relating to the musical result of a class is final. A participant must achieve a minimum standard of Commended to be eligible for an award. If a winner is unable to attend the presentation, they may collect their award from a member of the Committee at a mutually convenient time and place. |
| 12 SAFETY & SECURITY: The accompanying responsible adult must supervise children/pupils whilst on Festival premises. The use of play equipment belonging to Kent College is forbidden. The Committee does not hold itself responsible for any injuries sustained by any participant or member of the public whilst on Festival premises. The Committee will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to participants' belongings at the Festival. |
| 13 GRADED MUSIC CLASSES: Performers may enter only one Graded class on the same instrument in each section. They should not have taken the exam for a higher grade by the start of the Festival and must play a piece equal to the grade of the class. |
| 14 BACKING TRACKS: Backing tracks are only permitted in Musical Theatre classes. Performers must supply their own equipment and are responsible for setting it up within the performance time limit allowed. An additional fee is payable at point of entry. |
| 15 AWARDS: Trophies must be returned as directed by the Trophy Co-ordinator, by the due date and in an acceptable state (cleaned and polished). Failure to do so will render the trophy holder ineligible to receive any subsequent trophies they may win, and may lead to festival entries being declined without refund. If a trophy is lost or damaged, a suitable replacement (to be approved by Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival prior to purchase) must be provided, at the Award Winner's expense. Failure to comply will result in disqualification from future festivals. |
| 16 TEACHER ENTRIES: Teachers entering on behalf of their pupils must include contact details for the performer (email address & phone number) at the point of entry in addition to the teacher's own details. Groups of 5 or more performers are excluded from this requirement. It is the responsibility of the teacher to pass on all information received as the entrant in a timely manner. |
| 17 SUITABILITY OF MATERIAL: Bearing in mind the potential age range of the audience, “adult material” must not to be used. The Session President may, at their discretion, stop any performance which breaches this rule and disqualify the entry. The Session President’s decision shall be final. |
| 1 All performances in the Vocal and Choral Section must be sung from memory, with the exception of oratorio arias, which may be sung from music in accordance with accepted performance practice. |
| 2 Costumes and props are not permitted in Vocal classes. |