Festival Information

Please note – ALL Music Uploads must be supplied via Play & Perform by 31st January 2026. Any music supplied after this date may be subject to a late fee of £2.00 per track.

Closing date for entries and payment is 15th January 2026. If the festival sells out prior to this date, entries will be closed.

Festival Rules

1. A Novice is a dancer who has never gained more than 83 marks and placed at a LIVE festival. Virtual or online festival scores will not be counted. 

2. A dancer who is not classed as a Novice in one section will not be restricted from entering other sections as an Open entrant, provided they meet the above criteria. All Novice dancers are permitted to enter the Open Sections regardless of ability.

3. ALL dancers taking part in Duets, Trios or Groups in a Novice Section MUST be classed as Novice. Dancers will be disqualified if this rule is not adhered to. 

4. A Mini retains their Novice status regardless of any places gained in either Novice or Open competitions previously. 

5. We ask all spectators and dancers to respect others whilst on stage and do not talk in the auditorium whilst a dancer is performing

6. All music supplied must be in a readable digital format. It is advisable to take a backup CD or music on a phone to the festival. 

7. Organisers have the right to refuse late entries.

8. Independent entries will be accepted with agreement from the teacher.

10. Timing must be strictly adhered to otherwise the dancer will be disqualified. Any music submitted over the time limit will be sent back for editing.

11. POINTE WORK is permitted in D&E sections only. Any competitor using pointe in other sections will be disqualified.

12. Candidates may only enter once in any one solo section within that festival.

13. In duet and trio sections, candidates may enter more than once in the same category as long as they are competing with a different partner(s).

14. A competitor’s age will be taken from the 31st August 2025. In duets, trios and groups the eldest performer determines the age group of the routine.

15. When entering Character, National or Group sections please write descriptive titles when entering on Play and Perform.

16. In the event that only 1 entry is received for a Solo section, the Organiser will either combine this with another suitable section where possible, or withdraw the entry if necessary.

17. The Organiser reserves the right to change, alter or combine parts of the programme as necessary.

18. The Festival can offer no guarantee as to the day or time at which a section will be presented, once the final programme has been drawn up this must be adhered to.

19. The running order will not be changed. Should candidates fail to appear at their specified time the entry could be forfeited. The Festival timetable will be sent out as soon as possible before the start date.

20. Competitors are required to be at the competition at least one hour before their section is due to perform. 

21. Only competitors and our chaperones with a current Chaperone License are allowed on the side and back of the stage. Competitors in our Minis Sections may have a teacher back stage with them.

23. Acrobatic work in Modern sections is not allowed excluding two handed cartwheels, splits and split leaps and jumps. Any dance containing this style should be entered into the Acro section. Any entries that do not comply with the above will not be placed by the adjudicator.

24. In all classes please ensure the costume, movement and music is appropriate for the age of the entrant.

25. The adjudicators decision is final, the organisers will not be drawn into any discussions regarding this.

26. No recording or photography (excluding the official Festival photographer / organiser) will be permitted whilst a performer is on stage under any circumstances. Festival staff will ask you to leave the premises if this is not adhered to.

27. No fees are refundable (except where Rule 16 applies).

28. The Festival accepts no liability for any item of equipment or clothing etc. which may be damaged or stolen at any time during the competition. 

29. Certificates may only be collected by the teacher or parent a minimum of 30mins after the section has finished.

30. Trophies won by competitors can be kept by them at the festival’s discretion. 

31. Teachers must ensure that any student who is likely to receive a trophy or award is present at the presentations, or that someone is happy to collect on their behalf. In the case of the winner not being present the teacher will be charged postage if they wish for the trophy to be posted to them / the dancer.

32. No jewellery is to be worn on stage with the exception of medical items and props.

33. Competitors with tattoos must ensure they are concealed.

34. Teachers are responsible for their students behaviour at all times. The teacher is responsible for checking the dressing rooms to ensure everything is in order before leaving the premises.

35. Eating and drinking in the changing rooms is not allowed.

36. No visible coaching is allowed whilst the dancer is on stage (Mini classes excluded).

37. Medals will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places with a 4th place called out for Achievement. All dancers in Duet & Trios will be awarded a medal if placed. Group dances will receive a certificate and one medal only. Any medals left over at the end of the festival may be purchased for group dancers.