Festival Regulations

1. Eligibility

• Participation is open exclusively to amateur performers, except for the Recital Class and bona fide choir members.
• Teachers holding professional qualifications for teaching, but who do not derive any income from performances, are eligible to enter. Individuals holding professional qualifications and deriving income from musical or dramatic performances are ineligible.
• In ensemble and choral classes, all participants must be legitimate members of the group they represent.
• Participants must adhere to the specified age restrictions, determined as of the closing date for entries.
• Duologue Classes: If performers in a duologue class fall into different age-restricted categories, the entry will be placed in the class corresponding to the eldest entrant. It is advisable that both performers are of similar ability.
• Solo performers are limited to one performance in any solo class.
• Performances in the Recital Class are not eligible for the Musician of the Year Award.

2. Accompanists

• Performers may provide their own accompanists in all instrumental and vocal classes requiring piano accompaniment.
• If the festival's official accompanists are used, participants must declare this intention and pay a £3 fee.
• When the official accompanist is required, music must be submitted to the music co-ordinator immediately (address provided on the entry confirmation).
• When not using the festival accompanist, participants are responsible for ensuring their accompanists meet the required standards.
• Recorded or background music is allowed only in Group Drama, Popular Music, Songs from the Shows, Musical Theatre classes, or where specified.
• For backing tracks, electronic submission to neil.barnby@donvalleyfestival.org.uk is required at least 3 weeks before the festival. Alternative arrangements should be requested via email.

3. Entries

• All performances must use original copies of music or text. An additional copy should be provided for the adjudicator on the day, unless otherwise stated in the syllabus.
• Photocopies may be used only for page turns; the original material must always be present in the performance room.
• The Entry Form must include the titles of Own Choice pieces; failure to do so will result in rejection.
• Changes to Own Choice pieces are not permitted after January 31st, in accordance with Performing Rights Society Regulations.
• The same set and Own Choice pieces cannot be repeated in different classes.
• Performances containing explicit language or content must be indicated on the Entry Form, with the full text submission provided. The Executive Committee reserves the right to reject unsuitable material, especially for sessions with young audiences.
• Closing Dates: Music/Drama – 21st January 2025; Photography/Art – 3rd March 2025. Late entries will not be accepted. Cheques should be made payable to Don Valley Festival.

4. Copyright & Photocopies

• Every performance must use original music or text. Photocopies may be provided for adjudicator reference, provided they are destroyed after the performance.
• If original material is unavailable, photocopies are allowed only if prior written permission from the copyright holder is obtained, following the Music Publishers Association concession.
• All performances featuring music from current productions are subject to copyright law.
• Songs from shows must be sung as concert items without costume; performances will be judged solely on vocal quality, with no additional credit for costumes.

5. The Festival

• Once entries close, the Executive Committee will determine the class order. Session schedules are not guaranteed and may change with advance notice.
• Failure to respond when called during a class results in forfeiture of the right to compete.
• The Adjudicator's decisions are final.
• Adjudicators' remark sheets are provided immediately after each class and should be collected from the adjudicator's desk if not handed out.
• Performers and audience members must not approach the Adjudicator directly; please contact the Adjudicator's Secretary or a Festival Officer.
• All trophies are held for one year only and must be returned in a clean condition by the specified date.

6. Time Limits

• Time will be called, or the adjudicator may stop adjudicating at the end of the time limit. However, the adjudicator may decide to allow the performance to continue.
• No prompting is allowed during performances.
• No rehearsal or warming-up space is provided. For large groups, additional holding rooms may be available to manage volume.

7. Data Protection

• We collect and process personal data solely for the administration of the festival.
• Your data is stored securely and is not shared with third parties, except as required by law.
• Participants have the right to request access, correction, or deletion of their data.

8. Refund Policy

• Entry fees will be refunded if a specific day or session time, as requested by the entrant, cannot be fulfilled.
• Withdrawals are considered on a case-by-case basis; however, any withdrawal within 3 weeks of the festival will forfeit the entry fee due to pre-arranged adjudicator payments and printed materials.

9. Communication

• We will contact entrants via email and/or telephone, depending on the nature of the enquiry or update.
• Relevant festival details and updates will also be provided on our Facebook page and the official website.

10. Health and Safety

• Please indicate any medical conditions, additional needs, or accessibility requirements on the entry form.
• In case of an emergency, report to any festival official. If none are available, approach the ticket desk where staff will direct you to the appropriate person.

Note: The version of these regulations published online is always the most up-to-date and in force.