Most of your questions can be answered more fully in the Syllabus or the Programme. Please let us know if you have any queries not answered.
Where can I get the Syllabus?
The Syllabus can be downloaded from our website www.alderleyedgefestival.com from December each year. If you would like a copy sent to your school or home address please send a request to
How do I apply to take part in the Festival?
Entries are made through our Online Entry portal. Click on ‘How to Enter’ and follow the step-by-step instructions.
I don’t have access to a computer or the internet: how do I enter?
If you have any difficulties please contact either the Music Co-ordinator via email or Speech & Drama Co-ordinator
Can I make a late entry?
No. Late entries delay the timetabling of the classes and therefore scheduling information which needs to be circulated to all performers. All entries should be received by midnight of the closing date. The closing date is changed each year and can be found in the Syllabus, ALDERLEY EDGE FESTIVAL RULES, PROCEDURES AND INFORMATION.
Can I change my performance piece after the closing date?
No. The piece you perform must not change from your application.
Do I need my performers ticket?
No, although it does have useful information you might need; class number, time and venue. If you do not have the ticket with you the Stewards in the hall will help and check you are in the correct place.
How do I book the Official Accompanist?
If you wish to use one of our Official Accompanists you must book them at the time of entry.
Can I use my own accompanist?
Yes. But please be aware that we cannot make adjustments to the schedule because your teacher is in another venue accompanying another pupil.
Can I send the accompanist’s music electronically?
No, it is your responsibility to send the printed music to the Music Co-ordinator. Separate sheets must be sellotaped together, edge on, in page order, and in a readable condition from which the accompanist can play. Ensure that music shows both ends of the stave and that neither end is cut off.
Should I send the music by registered post?
No. Please do not use registered post or any kind of postal service that requires a signature on delivery.
Can I use a backing track instead of an accompanist?
In 2023 backing tracks are allowed for Percussion, Blues and Rock guitar, Own Composition and Drama without Words only. We do not allow the use of backing tracks for any other classes.
Does the Festival provide a drum kit for use in percussion classes?
No, you need to bring your own.
I am a music teacher – can I accompany my own pupils?
Yes, although we do strongly recommend that you use the Official Accompanist if you are making multiple entries. We cannot make adjustments after the scheduling has been done in order to avoid clashes.
Do I get a refund if I withdraw?
No. The entry fee covers administration costs which will already have been entered into whilst managing the receipts of entries.
Do I need to send in a copy of my text?
Speech and Drama pieces do not need to be sent in unless there is ‘adult content’ in any Own Choice piece. A photocopy of Own Choice pieces should be handed to the adjudicator before the performance.
Can my parents come to watch?
Of course! We encourage all performers to bring an audience with them. Tickets can be purchased on the door, children free. These tickets give you access to all the classes for the day. If you wish to see multiple classes across the week, we have weekly tickets which give entry to all daytime class and some evening classes – these are available on the door.
Can my parents video me or take photographs while I am performing?
No. All recording devices (cameras, phones, tablets) are strictly forbidden during performances and adjudication. Please be aware that we will stop a performance if we are aware of filming taking place. This is in compliance with copyright laws and our Child Protection Policy. An official Festival photographer will be available during the Festival.
How will I know when and where I have to be on the day?
You (or your teacher) will be sent a ticket with all the information you need well before the Festival. The venues are all within walking distance of the Festival Hall and are clearly signposted. Try to get to your class about 10 minutes before it is scheduled to start – the running order might not be as published in the Programme so be prepared to perform earlier or later than expected.
Where can I park my car?
Parking in Alderley Edge is limited. Please consider using public transport or sharing a private car journey. You may have to park some distance away from the venue so allow plenty of time to get to the class. Please do not block private driveways or use pre-designated parking spaces.
What if I’m late for my class?
If you realise you are going to be late, please if possible, call the contact number published in the Programme with the map to let us know.
Unless adjudication has started, you will be able to perform at the end of the class – just let the Room Steward know that you have arrived. We try to schedule the programme so that clashes are avoided but we can’t guarantee it. If you are in another class that is running late, you may leave before the adjudication. Leaving before adjudication will not affect your mark – our adjudicators are used to performers leaving or arriving midway through a class. If you do have to leave or enter a room midway through a class please be as quiet as possible and wait for the Room Steward to open the door. Never leave or arrive when someone is performing.
What should I wear if I am performing?
Most schoolchildren wear their uniform, even if they are performing on Saturday, but it isn’t compulsory. Smart and comfortable is the choice for our older teens and adult performers. For our Young Singer of the Year and evening recitals, and for those invited to perform at the Finale, we suggest evening wear (or smart party clothes for our younger performers).
Can I wear a costume or stage make-up for my Speech & Drama performance?
No. You will not be awarded more marks for costume or make-up: you might have marks withheld or deducted. Small hand props are allowed but must be kept to a minimum and only used if absolutely necessary.
Is there somewhere to warm-up or rehearse on the day?
We are limited for space so a pre-performance rehearsal room isn’t always available. Please ask the stewards or a committee member on the day.
Do I have to announce my name and performance piece before performing?
Speech and Drama performers should announce the title and author of their piece before the performance commences. Music performers are invited to do the same by way of introduction.
How long will the session last?
The length of each session depends upon the number of performances in the class. The programme gives the start time of the next class, which will be the end time of the previous class.
When will I get my mark sheet?
Mark sheets and certificates are given out after each class. If you are not in the class when these are handed out please contact either the Music coordinator via email or Speech & Drama Coordinator to arrange to provide you with the mark sheet and certificates.
If I am awarded a trophy, how do I return it?
If you are awarded a trophy you, your teacher or parents will have to fill in a form with all your contact details including email address and telephone number. The committee will contact you in plenty of time to remind you to engrave and return your trophy to either Mark Rogers Locksmith, 74 Grove St, Wilmslow SK9 1DS or Rainbow Balloons, Union Building, Stevens Street, Alderley Edge SK9 7NL.
Mark Rogers provides an engraving service, so you can drop off the trophy for engraving and he will then pass it on to us.
Are refreshments available?
Bottled water is available to purchase from the ticket steward (usually at the front door of the venue). We cannot allow any food or hot drinks to be taken into the venues. There are a number of cafes and restaurants a short walk from the Festival Hall.
What is the Finale?
The Finale is held in the Festival Hall on the Saturday night of Festival Week in a relaxed party atmosphere to showcase the talent and variety our entrants contribute to the Festival. Tickets are available during Festival week. We invite outstanding performers, who have not just won their individual class, but who we feel will be part of an entertaining programme for the whole audience. Invited performers receive two free tickets: one for themselves and one for a guest.
How can I support the Festival?
There are many ways you can support the Festival:
- becoming a Steward – we always need willing volunteers to help us to run the Festival. There are a number of roles from selling tickets on the door, to announcing performers and handing out certificates. Please contact our Stewards co-ordinator at for more information.
- becoming a Friend of the Festival – our Friends enjoy many benefits from free entry to classes to tickets for the Festival Finale. Please contact our Friends co-ordinator at for more information.
- becoming a sponsor or advertiser – if you would like to sponsor a class or take out an advertisement in our programme please contact our chairman at for more information.
