Southampton Festival of Music and Drama

Please read these rules carefully before submitting your entry. By entering, you agree to follow these guidelines to help us ensure a fair and enjoyable event for everyone.

1. Entries and Fees

• Entry Deadline: All entries must be received by 15 January 2026. Late entries will incur a £1 per class late fee.
• Payment: Entry fees are due at the time of submission.
• Acceptance of Rules: Submitting an entry confirms that you accept these rules.  A copy of these rules are available on our website.
• Right to Refuse Entries: The Festival Committee reserves the right to accept or reject entries and may limit numbers if necessary.

2. Eligibility

• Age: Entrants’ ages are as of 1 September 2025. Adult classes are for ages 19 and over.
• Multiple Entries: Performers may enter more than one ensemble class (e.g., duets, trios, quartets).
• Amateurs & Professionals: The Festival is mainly for amateur performers. Professional performers may enter Adult OPEN classes.

3. Adjudication and Decisions

• Final Decision: The Adjudicator’s decision is final.
• Complaints: Any complaints must be made in writing to the Festival Chairman. The Chairman’s decision, made in consultation with Festival Officers/Section Leaders, will be final.
• Amendments to Rules: The Festival Committee may adjust these rules if necessary.

4. Withdrawals and Attendance

• If you need to withdraw, please let the relevant Section Administrator know as soon as possible.
• Performers not present at their scheduled time may be disqualified unless a valid reason is provided. The Section Administrator’s decision is final.

5. Own Choice Pieces

• Adult Music Classes: Must declare Own Choice pieces at entry. These will appear in the Festival programme.
• Other Classes: No advance notice of Own Choice pieces required.
• Providing Music Copies: For all Own Choice pieces, you must bring the original printed music to show the Section Administrator before your class begins. You must also provide either the original or a photocopy for the Adjudicator. If you give us the original, it will be returned after the class; photocopies will be kept and destroyed afterwards. Performing from a photocopy alone, without the original available, is illegal and will result in disqualification.

6. Time Limits

• Time limits include introductions but exclude tuning.
• Going Over Time: If you exceed the limit, you may be disqualified, marked down, made ineligible for awards, or stopped during your performance.

7. Awards

• Eligibility: Cups and trophies may be awarded to entrants who achieve Commended (80–84), Honours (85–89), Outstanding (90–94) or Exceptional (95+) grades.
• Care of Trophies: Winners are responsible for the safe keeping and insurance of trophies. Lost or damaged trophies must be replaced or repaired at the winner’s expense.
• Engraving: Winners are responsible for engraving (following the Festival’s established style and with Committee approval if needed).
• Return of Trophies: Cups and trophies must be returned by 1st of February before the next Festival unless agreed otherwise in writing.
• Under-18 Winners: A responsible adult must accept responsibility for under-18 winners regarding trophies and engraving.

8. Copyright

• Poetry, Prose, Drama: Covered by an agreement with the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society. Performers must provide title, author, and publisher before performing.
• Duologues/Scenes: Entrants are responsible for obtaining any necessary copyright permissions.
• Video and audio recording during performances is strictly prohibited to comply with copyright law and performing rights regulations. Anyone breaking this rule may be asked to leave the room.
• Photography during performances is not permitted. However, presentation photos (e.g., of trophies or certificates) may be taken by any entrant or adult. Parents or guardians may only photograph their own children.

9. Accompaniment and Equipment

• Piano Accompaniment: All solos must have piano accompaniment unless written to be unaccompanied or as a study. Please arrange an accompanist at the time of entry. Contact your Section Administrator if you need help.
• No Backing Tracks: backing tracks are not permitted unless a class specifically allows them.
• Amplification: Electronic amplification is not allowed except for instruments such as electric guitars in ensembles where appropriate (e.g., jazz groups).
• Official Accompanist: Adult and Junior Vocal entrants may use the official accompanist. Please see the section notes for details. Sheet music for the accompanist must be provided to the Section Administrator at the time of entry. Late submission of music may not be accepted, as this does not allow enough time for preparation. We reserve the right to refuse accompaniment if any changes to the music or songs are made on the day of the performance.

10. Safeguarding

• Children Under 18: All children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times while attending the Festival.
• Photography of Children: Photographs of children by anyone other than their parents or guardians are not permitted without prior permission.

11. Accessibility

• We welcome performers of all abilities. If you require adjustments or assistance to take part, please contact your Section Administrator in advance so we can help make arrangements.

12. Data Protection

• Personal information provided on entry forms will be used only for the administration of the Festival. Entrants’ names and programme details may be published in printed materials and on our website. We will never share your details with third parties for marketing purposes.