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If you would like to download the Alderley Edge Festival Music, Speech & Drama 2026 Syllabus in PDF format, you can do so here:
MUSIC ENTRY NOTES 2026
Please read these notes, the rules and procedures carefully before entering.
Music entries are online only at www.alderleyedgefestival.com
Your Music Coordinator is: Diane Goddard
Tel: 07943 797939 Email:
1. Our Accompanists are professional, experienced pianists, who have supported this Festival for many years. We do not charge our entrants an additional fee for the excellent services they provide.
2. If you require an Official Accompanist, please select the relevant answer to the additional question online, “Will the Official Accompanist be required”. You can use your own accompanist but be sure to see Rule 7. You are strongly advised to use the Official Accompanist if you are making multiple entries. We cannot adjust the order of playing to avoid clashes for your own accompanist.
3. The Official Accompanists reserve the right to refuse to play from unsatisfactorily prepared music.
4. Be sure to name the instrument when entering instrumental Own Choice classes. Changes cannot be made after the closing date 20 February 2026.
5. In Choir, Choral Groups and ensemble classes please indicate, by separate communication, to the Music Coordinator those entrants who are also involved in solo classes and the solo class numbers.
6. Please enter the number of participants in all choirs, choral groups, orchestras and ensembles on the online entry system. Changes to the entry detail can be made up until the closing date but if the participant numbers change after the closing date, then please let the coordinator know.
7. The use of backing tracks is allowed in a select number of classes. When backing tracks are used the performer are advised to check the sound level is correct for their performance.
8. We will be pleased to send you a programme if the cost shown on your online entry is included in the Total. (£5.00 +£3.00 postage per programme).
9. Performers who, in the opinion of the Adjudicators, are of a particularly high standard may be invited to perform at the Finale Concert on Saturday evening.
10. IN ALL CASES, PRINTED PUBLICATIONS OF THE MUSIC MUST HAVE BEEN PURCHASED AND BE IN THE VENUE AT THE TIME OF THE PERFORMANCE.
11. Please direct your queries to your Coordinator, if you are unable to get the answers from the AEF website or online entry system.
The Committee reserves the right to amend schedules to ensure the smooth running of the Festival.
MUSIC FOR ACCOMPANIST & ADJUCICATOR
WHEN OFFICIAL ACCOMPANIST IS REQUESTED
A COPY FOR ACCOMPANIST AND ORIGINAL FOR ADJUDICATOR ARE REQUIRED
Prepare paper copy of the music for the ACCOMPANIST (after completing online entry). Ensure music for vocal performances is the correct arrangement. The copy must be to performance standard.
Performance Standard
| Collate separate sheets: | Mark first page with: |
|---|---|
| • Sellotape together • Edge on edge • In page order • Readable condition • Both ends of stave showing |
• Performer’s name • Class number • AExxxxxx reference number • “ACCOMPANIST COPY – DESTROY AFTER USE” |
Post in suitably sized envelope, with correct postage, to reach Music Co-ordinator by 27 February 2026 :-
Diane Goddard, 68 Hazelwood Road, Wilmslow, SK9 2QA
- DO NOT SEND REGISTERED POST
- AVOID TOO MANY FOLDS IN MUSIC
Official Accompanist reserves the right to refuse to play from unsatisfactory and unmanageable music.
On the day, provide ADJUDICATOR STEWARD with original accompaniment part of the music. Write, in pencil, the performer’s name, class number and AExxxxxx reference number. Please collect original music from the Adjudicator Steward at the end of the class.
The copy you send is for the Accompanist only.
NO OFFICIAL ACCOMPANIST REQUIRED
(Own accompanist, unaccompanied or backing tracks) ONE COPY OF MUSIC REQUIRED FOR ADJUDICATOR
On the day, provide ADJUDICATOR’S STEWARD with the music. Write, in pencil, the performer’s name, class number and AExxxxxx reference number
Provide original part of the music OR copy of music marked ADJUDICATOR COPY DESTROY AFTER USE
Please collect original music from the adjudicator steward at the end of the class.
Please note AEF DO NOT accept digital or emailed copies of music for either accompanists or adjudicators.
ALDERLEY EDGE FESTIVAL RULES AND ENTRY PROCEDURES 2026
FESTIVAL DATES 20 – 25 April
The following rules and procedures help the smooth running of our Festival. Please read these carefully before entering. If rules are not adhered to, entrants may be allowed to perform, but risk losing the chance of winning and being placed. The decision of the Committee in all matters is final.
Teachers should ensure all entrants are made aware of these rules.
Teachers, parents, guardians and carers must read the Child Protection, British and International Federation of Festivals Child Protection and Creating Safer Festival Policies which can be found on the Festival website.
ENTRY PROCEDURE:
ENTRY is ONLINE only. See Online instruction.
Please contact the Co-ordinators if you do not have access to the online entry system.
- The 2026 online entry closing date is 11:00pm on 20 February 2026. Entries must be completed by the closing date. Early entries would be appreciated. All entries will be acknowledged by email to the email address used for the online application and will contain your AE online entry number.
- Payment through Paypal or BACS system is preferred and using the AExxxxxx online entry number as reference.
- The AExxxxxxx order reference number is a number generated for your application via the online system. Please take note of this number as you require it to retrieve your application and for any queries you may have about your entry.
- No refunds available after the closing date.
- If you want to request the services of an Official Accompanist, select YES to the question – Will the Official Accompanist be required?
- We strongly advise that you use the Official Accompanist if you are making multiple entries. We cannot make adjustments for independent accompanists after the scheduling has been done in order to avoid clashes.
- The music for the Official Accompanist must be to performance standard, in a manageable, readable and playable condition and sent to Music Coordinator Diane Goddard, 68 Hazelwood Road, Wilmslow, SK9 2QA by 27 February 2026. The performer’s name, Class number, and AExxxxxxx number, must be written clearly on the front of the music. Please do not send any music by Registered Post.
- Please do not send digital or emailed copies of music as these are not accepted.
- If the music is not with the Music Coordinator by 27 February 2026 the request for an Official Accompanist will not be accepted.
- Official Accompanists reserve the right to refuse to play from unsatisfactory and unmanageable music.
- If the Official Accompanist services are not required, do not send copies of music.
- All performers, whether using independent or Official Accompanist, must provide a copy of the music on the day of the performance for the Adjudicator.
- The Committee reserves the right to refuse any entry without giving any reason.
OUR RULES:
- All entries must be accompanied with payment by the due dates to be accepted.
- Entrants may only enter the correct National Curriculum (NC) Year class for their age. NC year groups will apply where stated. Entrants may only enter graded classes for grade that they are currently working towards or have most recently achieved since the last Festival. Those studying for Diploma should enter the Open Class/Classes. See PROCEDURES and OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION for details of NC age groups and definitions of ’Open and Any Age’.
- Entrants may not enter more than once on the same instrument in the same Class, unless otherwise stated. For Duets, Trios and Quartets see Rule 9.
- In all GRADED Classes, title of the piece, Examination Board, the grade and composer MUST be supplied with each entry. A copy of the piece must be provided for the use of the Adjudicator at the time of the performance; entrants must use their examination book. Please note that no one may enter more than one graded class on the same instrument and should note Rule 2.
- In “Own Choice” classes the name of the piece, and composer/author to be stated on the Entry Form, and no change from this choice is allowed after the entry closing date. A copy of the piece must be provided for the use of the Adjudicator at the time of the performance. The Adjudicator will take into consideration the appropriateness of the piece chosen, particularly in respect of age-appropriate nature.
- In “Own Choice” classes, entrants may not offer the same piece in more than one class. Performers should not play/perform the same piece in two consecutive years.
- An Official Accompanist is provided, however, entrants in all relevant classes may use their own independent accompanist if they wish and should indicate this on entry. This option may not be altered after the close of entries and, unfortunately, no concessions in respect of the Festival’s scheduling can be made to accommodate own accompanists. Official Accompanist will not be available for choir classes, choral groups, ensembles, orchestras, bands, instrumental beginners, instrumental age 21 and above, instrumental Jazz, pupil and teacher duets, blues & rock guitar nor percussion.
- In all Choral, Vocal Groups, Orchestra / Ensemble and Band classes, please state the number of participants in the online entry.
- In all Duet, Trio and Quartet classes a second entry is allowed providing the entrant has different partners and performs different pieces. No pair/group may enter more than one class within one instrumental discipline.
- Professionals are not eligible to compete in this Festival, except where specified. In this Festival professionals are defined as those who derive the bulk of their income from payment for work in that branch of the art with which the Festival is concerned. This also applies to “Open” classes.
- Orchestras/ensembles/bands may include professionals and experienced volunteers, which includes an accompanist, if chosen, who are outside the age group, not exceeding one to every ten amateur players.
- Time limits given in the syllabus must be adhered to. Performers who over-run will risk losing the chance of winning and being placed in their class.
- Performances using songs from shows are subject to copyright law. We do not allow any changes to the songs from the shows in accordance with the Performing Rights Society’s Licence arrangements with the British and International Federation of Festivals. (See COPYRIGHT COMPLIANCE page).
- In all Speech and Drama classes no costumes are allowed. In Verse Speaking and Prose Reading, dramatisation by actions is not permitted. Adjudication is on vocal performance.
- In Young and Junior Thespian, Duologues, Dramatised Verse, Dramatised Poem or Monologue, Solo and Group Drama, Shakespeare classes and Acting Through Song, a choice of two props per performer such as a hat, gloves, shawl is allowed. Over emphasis on props will be penalised by adjudicators and placing will be affected. No props are permitted in Verse Speaking, Prose Reading, Group Poem and Slam Poetry classes.
- Backing tracks as an accompaniment are not allowed, apart from Percussion, Blues and Rock Guitar, Instrumental Jazz, Vocal Solo Popular, Drama Without Words and Acting Through Song Classes where stated. Backing tracks must NOT have any instrumental parts or vocals which plays the same line as a performer.
PROCEDURES AND OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
ORDER OF PERFORMANCE:
- The Committee reserves the right to limit the entries in any Class where, in their opinion, the maximum number which can be adequately dealt with has been reached. In some instances, large classes will be divided. The order of performance in each Class will be determined by random selection, but the Committee reserves the right to vary that order where necessary, eg when catering for clashes.
- Classes with a small number of entries will be combined with separate adjudication and awards given after all performers have performed.
ADJUDICATIONS:
- Adjudicators’ decisions are final. Speaking or writing notes to the Adjudicators is not permitted during the Festival. Communications for the Adjudicator must be made through a Festival Official. Concerns/complaints will only be considered if submitted in writing to the Chair. Please see the complaints procedure at the back of the Syllabus.
- The Adjudicator’s notes on the entrant’s performance are available at the end of the class or session free of charge. If not collected at the time of the Festival, please contact the respective Co-ordinator for information on how to get the copy.
- The Committee reserves the right to appoint additional Adjudicators and to alter, modify or cancel any of the arrangements detailed in this Syllabus as necessary.
MUSIC AND SPEECH & DRAMA ADJUDICATORS’ COPIES:
- Please hand own choice copies or original score or copies of music to the Adjudicator’s Steward at point of performance.
- All photocopies should be headed clearly: ‘For Adjudicator only – to be destroyed after use.’
- Original scores and copies of music downloaded from the internet that do not infringe copyright regulations are to be collected by the performer from the Adjudicators Steward at the end of the class.
- In ‘Set’ verse classes, the Speech and Drama Co-ordinator will provide copies for the Adjudicator.
BACKING TRACKS:
- Backing tracks are allowed for Percussion, Blues and Rock guitar, Instrumental Jazz, Vocal Solo Popular, Drama Without Words and Acting Through Song classes only.
- Backing tracks must NOT have any vocals nor instrumental parts which plays the same line as the performer.
- Performers must provide their own fully charged portable device to play the backing track.
- The device is to be set up by performer or adult assisting the performer and will be given an extra two minutes to set up the equipment and check sound level before the performance.
- If there are technical difficulties with the equipment, the performer may perform without the backing track.
TIMETABLING and PROGRAMME:
- Timetables will be on the website as soon as finalised. Please do not enquire in advance about times and venues as no further information will be available.
- Entrants’ tickets contain all necessary timetable information for the performer.
- The Programme with full timetable including order of performers will be available beginning of April.
- Programmes can be pre-ordered online with entry (£8.00 including pp) or bought during the Festival (£5.00).
TIMING
- At the end of a Class, if time allows, performers may be invited to take part in a short workshop.
- Entrants who arrive late may perform unless the adjudication of their Class has commenced and is at the discretion of the Adjudicator.
CERTIFICATES AND TROPHIES:
- Certificates will be presented to performers gaining First, Second and, unless there is a low entry, Third places. In the case of ensemble classes, one certificate only will be awarded for each qualifying performance.
- Trophies and certificates may be withheld in any Class where, in the opinion of the Adjudicator, a sufficiently high standard of performance is not attained.
- Trophies awarded at the Festival Finale is at the discretion of the Festival Committee.
- Winners are held responsible for the engraving, safe custody and return of trophies gained in 2026.
- Trophies can be returned at any time but must be returned by 31 January 2027 at the latest, cleaned, in their boxes and taken to either:
- Mark Rogers, 74 Grove Street, Wilmslow SK9 1DS
- Henry D Johnstone, 51A London Road, Alderley Edge SK9 7DY
- Trophies must not be posted in order to avoid any damage or loss
- Damaged or lost trophies will incur a charge for replacement or repair
PERFORMERS’ TICKETS:
- All entrants will receive a ticket containing full details of their entries. This ticket is for the performer only. The ticket is to be shown on entry to the venue, however if you do not have the ticket with you, the Stewards in the hall will help and check you are in the correct place.
- Performers who are invited to take part in the Finale will receive one complimentary ticket in addition to their own.
ADMISSION CHARGES:
- Admission charges apply to audience members at all venues – we keep these charges to a minimum and allow under 16s to enter day and evening sessions free of charge, apart from at the Finale, when there will be a reduced ticket price.
- Admission charges for each venue are set out below and will be listed at the entrances to venues during the Festival.
2026 Festival Admission Prices
| Type of Ticket | Admission To | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Day | All venues up to 6.00pm, Monday to Saturday | £4.00 |
| Evening | All venues in the evening Monday to Friday | £4.00 |
| Week | All venues at any time Monday to Saturday afternoon | £15.00 |
| Under 16s | Free of charge to all sessions except the Festival Finale | FREE |
Festival Finale
| Category | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Festival Finale | Saturday evening – entry by prepaid ticket only | |
| Adult | Festival Finale ticket | £16.00 |
| Under 18 | Festival Finale ticket | £8.00 |
Your admission fees help our self-supporting charity meet the many expenses we incur, including professional Adjudicators and Accompanists’ fees; venue and piano hire and more – it costs around £30,000 to hold this Festival annually. All our officials and stewards are unpaid volunteers.
Thank you for your support.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
- No unauthorised photography, audio or video recording is allowed at our Festivals.
- It is a condition of entry into every venue that the use of cameras, recorders, mobile phones and tablets is not allowed during performances and adjudications, in compliance with copyright law and our Child Protection Policy.
- All electronic devices including mobile telephones and tablets MUST BE TURNED OFF when entering the venue and may not be used for photography.
- The information on Copyright Compliance is on page 53 and the Child Protection Policies can be found on the Festival website www.alderleyedgefestival.com.
- The Festival’s Official Photographer may attend the Festival. Where parents/guardians/carers do not wish photos to be taken at all, then the responsible adult attending should ensure that their child/pupil/vulnerable adult is not included in official authorised photos.
| Mark | Descriptor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 95+ | Exceptional | A superlative performance, displaying exceptional artistic individuality |
| 90–94 | Outstanding | An impressive performance technically and artistically, displaying spontaneity and clear individuality |
| 85–89 | Honours | An excellent performance, demonstrating fluent technical and artistic skills with emerging individuality |
| 80–84 | Commended | A convincing performance technically and artistically, with increasing stylistic and communication skills |
| 75–79 | Merit | A competent performance, showing some artistic awareness and/or technical ability |
| 70–74 | Progressing | A performance showing development of technique and/or communication and commitment |
| 65–69 | Developing | A performance demonstrating an awareness of technical skills, requiring more consistency and artistry |
NATIONAL CURRICULUM YEAR GROUPS
Each school year runs from 1st September to 31st August. Where National Curriculum (NC) Year Groups apply the entrant is to be in the Year Group in May. The typical ages for the NC Year are as follows:
| NC Year | Rec | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age achieved during year: | 5 yrs | 6 yrs | 7 yrs | 8 yrs | 9 yrs | 10 yrs | 11 yrs |
| NC Year | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age achieved during year: | 12 yrs | 13 yrs | 14 yrs | 15 yrs | 16 yrs | 17 yrs | 18 yrs |
OPEN and ANY AGE DEFINITIONS
OPEN – Classes are for experienced entrants and repertoire is be at least Grade 6 level.
Any age – Classes can involve entrants with a range of ages and experience.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2026
Important dates for 2026:
Festival Dates 20 – 25 April
Online entry closing date – 20th February, 11.00pm
Please complete your entries by the closing date to ensure your entry is accepted. The Festival’s timetabling process and programme preparation require all entries to be completed by this date.
Music for Official Accompanist to reach Music Coordinator by 27th February
The week of the Festival is not the designated week of standard assessments for primary schools.
New and changes to Classes
Speech & Drama
Set Poems for the Verse Speaking Classes are taken from three publications: –
- The Book of 1001 Poems ISBN: 0-00-185508-5;
- Read Me and Laugh ISBN: 978-0-330-43557-4;
- The Works chosen by Paul Cookson IBSN: 978-0-330-48104-5
Music
- New choir class, 108 Junior Choir NC Years 4 – 6, Set piece
- Believe, composed by Lin Marsh, taken from ‘Songscape Assembly’ arranged for voice and piano.
Choirs will perform individually for adjudication then invited to join together as a mass choir lead by a Festival appointed conductor.
- New instrumental jazz class, 252 Instrumental Jazz Solo/Duet/Ensemble any age and backing tracks allowed.
- Pupil and Teacher Duet and Piano/Instrumental Solo age 21 and above classes have been moved to the instrumental section. The new class numbers are: –
- 253 Pupil and Teacher Duet
- 254 & 255 Piano/Instrumental Solo age 21 & above
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULING 2026
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULING 2026
Timetables will be available online March/April 2026
The Festival will have four sessions on Tuesday to Friday with the following start and approximate finish times :- AM 10.00 – 12.30; PM(1) 14.00 – 16.30; PM(2) 16.30 – 18.00; EVENING 19.00- 21.30
Monday sessions will be from 16.30 and run until approximately 21.30.
Saturday sessions will start at 9.00 and run until approximately 16.00.
The classes will be scheduled to these sessions and days as follows: –
| OPEN/ADULT | Evenings or Saturday |
| ANY AGE | PM(2), Evening or Saturday |
| SENIORS -Years 10-13 | PM(2), Evening or Saturday |
| SENIORS -Years 7-9 | PM(2), Evening or Saturday |
| JUNIORS -Years 6 and under | AM, PM(1), PM(2) or Saturday |
MUSIC – Monday 20 – Saturday 25 April
| Choral/Choir | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | ||
| Vocal | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | ||
| Woodwind/Brass | Tuesday | Wednesday | ||||
| Strings | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | |||
| Piano | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Ensemble/Orchestra/Instrumental/ Bands | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | ||
| Guitar/Percussion | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
SPEECH & DRAMA – Friday 24 & Saturday 25 April
| Drama | Friday | Saturday |
| Duologue | Friday | Saturday |
| Verse Speaking | Friday | Saturday |
| Prose Reading | Friday | Saturday |
Preliminary arrangements for the :
| Class | Descriptor | Day / Time |
|---|---|---|
| 101, 102, 104 | JUNIOR SCHOOL CHOIRS AND CHORAL GROUP | Thursday or Friday |
| 108 | JUNIOR CHOIR | Wednesday |
| 103, 105 | SENIOR SCHOOL CHOIRS AND CHORAL GROUP | Thursday or Friday |
| 106 | MIXED ADULT VOICES, LADIES’ OR MALE VOICE CHOIR | Tuesday Evening |
| 110 | COMMUNITY CHOIR | Tuesday Evening |
| 107 | BARBERSHOP CHORUS OR QUARTETS | Wednesday Evening |
| 202, 204 | JUNIOR INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES / ORCHESTRA | Thursday or Friday |
| 203, 205 | SENIOR INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES / ORCHESTRA | Thursday or Friday |
| 313 | PIANO RECITAL, Open | Saturday |
| 501 | ALDERLEY JUNIOR SINGER OF THE YEAR 2026 (NC Years 7–9) | Thursday PM(2) or Evening |
| 503 | ALDERLEY YOUNG SINGER OF THE YEAR 2026 (NC Years 10–13) | Thursday Evening |
| 707 | ALDERLEY JUNIOR THESPIAN OF THE YEAR 2026 (NC Years 7–9) | Friday Evening |
| 724 | ALDERLEY JUNIOR THESPIAN OF THE YEAR 2026 (NC Years 10–13) | Friday Evening |
| 738 | ACTING THROUGH SONG, SOLO OR DUO (NC Years 10–13) | Friday Evening |
| 739 | ACTING THROUGH SONG, GROUP (Any age) | Friday Evening |
The final schedule/timetable is determined once the entries are closed and is dependent on the number of performers. The Committee reserves the right to alter the above arrangements when final entries are in to ensure the smooth running of the Festival.
FESTIVAL POLICIES 2026
ALDERLEY EDGE FESTIVAL POLICIES 2026
Teachers, parents, guardians and carers must read the Child Protection Policies, which can be found in the Policies section on the Festival website www.alderleyedgefestival.com.
THE BRITISH AND INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF FESTIVALS CHILD PROECTION POLICY STATEMENT
CREATING SAFER FESTIVALS FOR EVERYONE
All entrants are advised to read the Privacy Policy which can also be found on the Festival website. The policy outlines the personal information we collect and how we use this information.
THE ALDERLEY EDGE FESTIVAL PRIVACY POLICY
The Committee values constructive comment which will help to improve the Festival and members of the committee are always willing to discuss concerns on an informal basis. However, we also provide a complaints procedure to help those people who have a particular complaint to bring to our notice. The complaints procedure can be found on the website in the Policies section
COPYRIGHT COMPLIANCE 2026
www.federationoffestivals.org.uk
The British and International Federation of Festivals (BIFF), of which Alderley Edge Festival (AEF) is a member, works on our behalf to ensure copyright compliance and has negotiated group licensing arrangements with the Performing Rights Society (PRS), the Music Publishers Association (MPA) and the Authors Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS). AEF have obtained the necessary licences for instrumental / vocal performances at this Festival by paying the annual copyright fee to the Federation.
Specific permission has been granted regarding the photocopying of music, poetry, prose and solo monologue performances as follows:
MUSIC:
Adjudicator Copy – A person performing a work at the AEF in front of an audience may make one copy for the Adjudicator provided that the performer has already purchased his/her publication and that the copy is marked and destroyed immediately after the AEF. The copy must be marked ‘Adjudicator Copy. Destroy after use.’
In all cases printed publications must have been purchased and be in the hall at the time of the performance.
The group licence of the PRS allows the performing of music to take place as follows:
Instrumental & Vocal classes: –the performance of music compositions is possible at the AEF.
Songs from the Shows: – performance of excerpts from musical plays is possible provided that:
- the excerpt is performed without any change to either music or lyrics and uses only the published or authorised musical arrangements and there is no use made of any form of scenery, costume, choreography, character representation or special lighting which changes the portrayal of the original work from which the excerpt is taken.
AEF do not allow downloaded material as an accompaniment at this Festival.
SPEECH AND DRAMA:
Poetry, prose, solo monologue and drama performances:
The BIFF has entered into an agreement with the ALCS. This means that performers do not have to seek copyright permission for any poetry, prose or solo dramatic items performed with a time limit of 10 minutes. Solo dramatic items must be announced by the performer giving the title and author at the time of performance to qualify for copyright indemnity. Words must not be changed and the gender of any character must not be altered.
Duologues and group dramatic works, including Musical Theatre, are not covered by this agreement and copyright for these items should be sought by performers / teachers at the time of entry in the absence of any other licensing arrangements.
IT IS A CONDITION OF ENTRY TO EVERY HALL AT ALDERLEY EDGE FESTIVAL THAT PHOTOGRAPHS AND RECORDINGS WILL NOT BE TAKEN, apart from photographs taken by our professional photographer. This applies to all recording devices including CAMERAS, VIDEO RECORDERS, MOBILE PHONES and TABLETS.
ONLINE ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS
Select How To Enter -> Online Entry -> ONLINE ENTRY PORTAL to register or sign in.
There is a full and comprehensive “user guide” accessible from “Manage your festival entries” screen once registration has been completed.
Click on any of the icons or buttons to access the service you want to use.
The account icon gives you the option to view and update your account details, or to log out of Play and Perform.
The ‘information’ icon provides links to Frequently Asked Question (faqs) about the online entry system and to the user guide.
The basket icon will show you entries you have added to your basket but have not completed and paid for (remember items in your basket have not been submitted to the festival).
The ‘home page’ icon will take you the online-entry system’s main page (the one you see when you first log in).
The ‘menu’ button will show a drop-down menu of all the services available.
Searching the Syllabus.
The search service can be found in the drop-down menu of all services available or “Find a Class” option.
Editing Entries
Entrants can edit entry details in the online system after submitting the entry and up to the closing date by selecting “View my entries” from the “Manage your festival entries” screen.
Please complete any entry by the closing date to ensure the correct information is printed in the Programme. See rule 5, no change of the own choice piece is allowed after the entry closing date.
New for 2026
Order the Syllabus as a printed booklet free of charge.
Select the Order Syllabus/Programme option and “buy” the Syllabus and follow the instructions to the final screen.
CHORAL
101 – Choral – Junior Choir NC Year 3 & Under
| Class | 101 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £30.50 |
| Award | Choral — Minor Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of two contrasting songs. May include not more than six percussion instruments played only by those singing in the choir. |
| Performers | 10–30 |
| Maximum time | 6 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 8 & 12 |
102 – Choral – Junior Choir NC Year 6 & Under
| Class | 102 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £30.50 |
| Award | Choral — Gleave Cup or Gavin Wiseman Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of two contrasting songs. May include not more than six percussion instruments played only by those singing in the choir. |
| Performers | 10–40 |
| Maximum time | 8 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 8 & 12 |
108 – Choral – Junior Choir NC Years 4 – 6
| Class | 108 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £25.00 |
| Award | Choral — Festival Award |
| Requirements | Set Piece: “Believe” (Song and Lyrics by Lin Marsh). Choirs perform individually for adjudication then invited to join together as a mass choir led by a Festival appointed conductor. Performance is to be without actions and instruments. |
| Performers | 10–30 |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 8 & 12 |
104 – Choral – Small Choral Group NC Year 6 & Under
| Class | 104 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £25.00 |
| Award | Choral — Thelwall Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of two contrasting pieces. |
| Performers | 4–16 |
| Maximum time | 8 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 8 & 12 |
103 – Choral – Choir NC Year 11 & Under
| Class | 103 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £30.50 |
| Award | Choral — Rowell Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of two contrasting songs. |
| Performers | 10–40 |
| Maximum time | 8 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 8 & 12 |
105 – Choral – Small Choral Group NC Years 7 – 13
| Class | 105 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £25.50 |
| Award | Choral — Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of two contrasting pieces. |
| Performers | 4–16 |
| Maximum time | 8 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 8 & 12 |
Due to the limited capacity of the Festival Hall the number of entrants in Choral classes may be restricted and entry to this class will close early if the number of performers reach the hall’s capacity prior to the closing date. An on-line waiting list will be in operation when the class becomes over-subscribed.
106 – Choral – Mixed Adult Voices / Ladies’ or Male Voice Choir
| Class | 106 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £36.00 |
| Award | Choral — Festival Award of £50 (Helen Reid Memorial Plaque for best individual performance in Choral Singing) |
| Requirements | Own choice of two contrasting pieces. This class is intended for but not limited to choirs that audition members. |
| Performers | 10–35 (Maximum number of voices 35) |
| Maximum time | 14 mins (including introduction) |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 8 & 12 |
107 – Choral – Barbershop Chorus or Quartets
| Class | 107 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £36.00 |
| Award | Choral — Festival Award £75 (additional Festival Award £35 for best individual barbershop performance) |
| Requirements | Own choice of two contrasting pieces. |
| Performers | 4–35 (Maximum number of voices 35) |
| Maximum time | 14 mins (including introduction) |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 8 & 12 |
110 – Choral – Community Choirs
| Class | 110 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £36.00 |
| Award | Choral — Festival Award of £50 |
| Requirements | Own choice of two contrasting pieces. Any non-auditioned choir whose members are drawn from a community. Maximum performance time includes introduction. |
| Performers | 10–35 (Maximum number of voices 35) |
| Maximum time | 14 mins (including introduction) |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 8 & 12 |
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES ORCHESTRAS
An official accompanist will not be available for Ensembles/Orchestras. Ensembles/Orchestras may include professionals or experienced volunteers which includes an accompanist if chosen not exceeding one to every ten amateur players. See Rule 11.
202 – Instrumental Ensemble – Small Ensemble NC Year 6 & Under
| Class | 202 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £25.00 |
| Award | Walsh Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of not more than four pieces. |
| Performers | 2–12 |
| Maximum time | 15 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 8, 11 & 12 |
204 – Instrumental Ensemble – Large Ensemble/Orchestra NC Year 6 & Under
| Class | 204 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £31.50 |
| Award | Grant Award and Plaque |
| Requirements | Own choice of not more than four pieces. |
| Performers | 12–35 |
| Maximum time | 15 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 8, 11 & 12 |
203 – Instrumental Ensemble – Small Ensemble NC Year 13 & Under
| Class | 203 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £25.00 |
| Award | Ensemble Shield |
| Requirements | Own choice of not more than four pieces. |
| Performers | 2–12 |
| Maximum time | 20 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 8, 11 & 12 |
205 – Instrumental Ensemble – Large Ensemble/Orchestra NC Year 13 & Under
| Class | 205 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £31.50 |
| Award | Hopkinson Cup and Plaque |
| Requirements | Own choice of not more than four pieces. |
| Performers | 12–35 |
| Maximum time | 20 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 8, 11 & 12 |
INSTRUMENTAL
250 – Instrumental Beginners NC Year 3 & Under
| Class | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £7.00 |
| Award | Non-competitive — certificate for taking part |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. For children who started learning since the previous Festival (May–May). |
| Maximum time | 2 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 7 |
251 – Instrumental Beginners/Improvers NC Years 4–6
| Class | 251 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £8.00 |
| Award | Non-competitive — certificate for taking part |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. For children who started learning since the previous Festival (May–May). |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 7 |
252 – Instrumental Jazz Solo/Duet/Ensemble (Any age)
| Class | 252 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. Backing tracks allowed (must not duplicate performer’s line). Performer provides device. 2 minutes allowed for setup. |
| Performers | 2–6 |
| Maximum time | 6 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 9, 12 & 16 |
253 – Pupil & Teacher Duet (Any age)
| Class | 253 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £12.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. Pupils below Grade 5. Both performers equally important. Pupil receives adjudication. Rule 10 (Professionals) does not apply. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 9 |
254 – Piano / Instrumental Solo (Age 21+ — Beginners to Grade 3)
| Class | 254 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.00 |
| Award | Non-competitive |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece, any style. Adjudicated but not marked. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 7 |
255 – Piano / Instrumental Solo (Age 21+ — Grade 4+)
| Class | 255 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.00 |
| Award | Non-competitive |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece, any style. Adjudicated but not marked. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 7 |
206 – Classical Guitar Solo NC Year 6 & Under
| Class | 206 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
207 – Classical Guitar Solo NC Years 7–13
| Class | 207 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Courier Group Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
208 – Blues / Rock Guitar Solo NC Year 13 & Under
| Class | 208 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. Backing tracks allowed (no vocals or duplicate instrumental lines). |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 12 & 16 |
275 – Percussion Solo NC Years 8 & Under
| Class | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Allen-Hagan Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. Performer provides own tuned/untuned instruments. Backing tracks allowed (no vocals or duplicate instrumental lines). |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 16 |
276 – Percussion Solo NC Years 9–13
| Class | 276 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Hagan-Allen Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. Performer provides own tuned/untuned instruments. Backing tracks allowed (no vocals or duplicate instrumental lines). |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 16 |
PIANO DUETS
306 – Piano Duet NC Year 3 & Under
| Class | 306 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 9 & 12 |
307 – Piano Duet NC Year 6 & Under
| Class | 307 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Edna Anderson Cup and Plaque |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 9 & 12 |
308 – Piano Duet NC Year 8 & Under
| Class | 308 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Crumpsall Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 9 & 12 |
309 – Piano Duet NC Years 9–13
| Class | 309 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £14.00 |
| Award | Dennison Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 6 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 9 & 12 |
PIANO RECITALS
301 – Junior Piano Recital NC Year 8 & Under
| Class | 301 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Dennison Award |
| Requirements | Two pieces of contrasting style/period. Repertoire at least Grade 5. |
| Maximum time | 10 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
312 – Piano Recital NC Years 9–13
| Class | 312 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £15.00 |
| Award | Barbara Davenport Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of three contrasting pieces. Repertoire at least Grade 6. Includes EPTA Award for best single-piece performance. |
| Maximum time | 12 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
313 – Piano Recital Open
| Class | 313 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £25.50 |
| Award | Hill Rosebowl & Festival Award £50 |
| Requirements | Own choice of three contrasting pieces. Intended for advanced pianists (Grade 8/Diploma+). Programme length required. |
| Maximum time | 25 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
PIANO SOLO
331 – Piano Solo Open
| Class | 331 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.50 |
| Award | Agar/Wells Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of up to two pieces. Repertoire at least Grade 6. |
| Maximum time | 10 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
321 – Piano Solo NC Years 1–2
| Class | 321 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Estridge Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
322 – Piano Solo NC Year 3
| Class | 322 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Tree Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
323 – Piano Solo NC Year 4
| Class | 323 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Nancy Darby Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
324 – Piano Solo NC Year 5
| Class | 324 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Busby Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
325 – Piano Solo NC Year 6
| Class | 325 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Shackleton Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
326 – Piano Solo NC Year 7
| Class | 326 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Thomas Anderson Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
327 – Piano Solo NC Year 8
| Class | 327 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Brittain Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
329 – Piano Solo NC Years 9–10
| Class | 329 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.00 |
| Award | Alderley Edge Tradesmen’s Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 6 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
330 – Piano Solo NC Years 11–13
| Class | 330 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.00 |
| Award | The Broadbent Medal |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 6 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
302 – Piano Solo Initial
| Class | 302 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of a piece from current Initial Grade book. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5 & 6 |
314 – Piano Solo Prep Test
| Class | 314 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Otway Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of a piece from Prep Test. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5 & 6 |
315 – Piano Solo Grade 1
| Class | 315 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of a set piece from any current British exam syllabus. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5 & 6 |
316 – Piano Solo Grade 2
| Class | 316 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Heyes Lane W I Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of a set piece from any current British exam syllabus. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5 & 6 |
317 – Piano Solo Grade 3
| Class | 317 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of a set piece from any current British exam syllabus. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5 & 6 |
318 – Piano Solo Grade 4
| Class | 318 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Musgrave Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of a set piece from any current British exam syllabus. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5 & 6 |
319 – Piano Solo Grade 5
| Class | 319 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of a set piece from any current British exam syllabus. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5 & 6 |
320 – Piano Solo Grade 6
| Class | 320 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Griff Williams Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of set piece from a current British exam syllabus. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5 & 6 |
335 – Piano Solo Grade 7
| Class | 335 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Piano Solo Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of a set piece from any current British exam syllabus. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5 & 6 |
336 – Piano Solo Grade 8
| Class | 336 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Blue Notes Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of a set piece from any current British exam syllabus. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5 & 6 |
STRINGS
417 – Orchestral String Solo NC Year 3 & Under
| Class | 417 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Music Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
418 – Orchestral String Solo NC Years 4–6
| Class | 418 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Music Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
406 – Orchestral String Solo NC Years 7–9
| Class | 406 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Robert Batchelor Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece, classical or popular. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
407 – Orchestral String Solo NC Years 10–13
| Class | 407 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Felicity Orme Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece, classical or popular. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
404 – Novice Orchestral String Solo NC Year 8 & Under
| Class | 404 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece, classical or popular. Open to competitors who have taken up the instrument in the last three years. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
410 – String Duet / Trio / Quartet NC Year 6 & Under
| Class | 410 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Cropper Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. 2–4 performers. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 9 & 12 |
411 – String Duet / Trio / Quartet NC Year 13 & Under
| Class | 411 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £14.00 |
| Award | Alderley Edge School for Girls Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. 2–4 performers. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 9 & 12 |
412 – String Solo Prep Test, Initial Test & Grade 1
| Class | 412 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of a piece from Prep Test, Initial or Grade 1 exam. For violin, viola, cello, double bass and harp. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5, 6 & 7 |
413 – String Solo Grade 2 & Grade 3
| Class | 413 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Music Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of set piece from a current British exam syllabus. For violin, viola, cello, double bass and harp. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5, 6 & 7 |
414 – String Solo Grade 4 & Grade 5
| Class | 414 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Wilmslow Express Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of set piece from a current British exam syllabus. For violin, viola, cello, double bass and harp. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5, 6 & 7 |
415 – String Solo Grades 6 & 7
| Class | 415 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of set piece from a current British exam syllabus. For violin, viola, cello, double bass and harp. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5, 6 & 7 |
416 – String Solo Grade 8
| Class | 416 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Handesyde Dick Trophy and Plaque |
| Requirements | Own choice of set piece from a current British exam syllabus. For violin, viola, cello, double bass and harp. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5, 6 & 7 |
405 – Junior String Recital NC Year 8 & Under
| Class | 405 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £14.00 |
| Award | Roskill Medal |
| Requirements | Own choice of two contrasting pieces (at least Grade 3). |
| Maximum time | 10 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
408 – Senior String Recital NC Years 9–13
| Class | 408 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £14.50 |
| Award | Knocker Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of two contrasting pieces (at least Grade 4/5). |
| Maximum time | 12 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
409 – String Recital Open
| Class | 409 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £16.00 |
| Award | Dorothea Campey Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of three contrasting pieces (at least Grade 6). |
| Maximum time | 15 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
VOCALS
501 – Alderley Junior Singer of the Year 2026 – NC Years 7–9
| Class | 501 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £17.00 |
| Award | Skertchly Award |
| Requirements | Three own choice pieces: • One classical • One light opera/stage or film musical/G&S • One simple folk song (accompanied or unaccompanied) A Festival Award will be presented for the best individual performance of one piece other than those sung by the winner. Intended for singers studying at Grade 4+. |
| Maximum time | 12 mins (including introduction) |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 12 & 13 |
503 – Alderley Young Singer of the Year 2026 – NC Years 10–13
| Class | 503 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £20.50 |
| Award | Rosalind Campey Award |
| Requirements | Three own choice pieces: • One classical song in any language other than English • One light opera/stage or film musical/G&S • One simple folk song (accompanied or unaccompanied) The Marion Rodgers Award will be presented for the best individual performance of a piece not sung by the winner. Intended for more experienced singers studying at Grade 5+. |
| Maximum time | 12 mins (including introduction) |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 12 & 13 |
502 – Alderley Vocal Recital – Open
| Class | 502 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £20.50 |
| Award | Cyril Hornby Award & Festival Award (£50) |
| Requirements | Three contrasting own choice pieces, including one ‘light’ item. Repertoire to be at least Grade 6 level. |
| Maximum time | 12 mins (including introduction) |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 12 & 13 |
523 – Vocal Solo – Open
| Class | 523 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Pannone Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice from musical, film musical, operetta (including G&S), Music Hall, or a song/aria in any modern language other than your mother tongue (Latin permitted). Level at least Grade 6. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 12 & 13 |
526 – Vocal Solo – British Song (Open)
| Class | 526 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Sugden Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of any British song. Level at least Grade 6. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
506 – Vocal Solo NC Year 3 & Under
| Class | 506 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Travel by Design Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
509 – Vocal Solo – Classical/Traditional NC Year 4
| Class | 509 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Campbell Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of a classical/traditional repertoire song. A British or foreign song EXCLUDING songs from musicals, G&S, Music Hall, film music or pop. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
510 – Vocal Solo – Classical/Traditional NC Year 5
| Class | 510 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Music Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of classical/traditional song. See “Own Choice Songs – Classical/Traditional”. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
511 – Vocal Solo – Classical/Traditional NC Year 6
| Class | 511 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Canon Brian Young Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of classical/traditional song. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
512 – Vocal Solo – Classical/Traditional NC Year 7
| Class | 512 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Classical/traditional repertoire song or aria. May be sung in English or original language. Includes arie antiche and folk song arrangements with piano. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
513 – Vocal Solo – Classical/Traditional NC Year 8
| Class | 513 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Classical/traditional repertoire song or aria. May be sung in English or original language. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
514 – Vocal Solo – Classical/Traditional NC Year 9
| Class | 514 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.00 |
| Award | Geoffrey T. Bridge Trophy |
| Requirements | As above. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
515 – Vocal Solo – Classical/Traditional NC Years 10–13
| Class | 515 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.00 |
| Award | Bromley Davenport Cup |
| Requirements | As above. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
516 – Vocal Solo – Musical Film & Light Opera NC Year 4
| Class | 516 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of a song from any musical, film musical, light opera. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 12 & 13 |
517 – Vocal Solo – Musical Film & Light Opera NC Year 5
| Class | 517 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice as above. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 12 & 13 |
518 – Vocal Solo – Musical Film & Light Opera NC Year 6
| Class | 518 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Henry Johnstone Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice as above. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 12 & 13 |
519 – Vocal Solo – Musical Film & Light Opera NC Year 7
| Class | 519 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.00 |
| Award | Tim Kennedy Award |
| Requirements | Own choice as above. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 12 & 13 |
520 – Vocal Solo – Musical Film & Light Opera NC Year 8
| Class | 520 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.00 |
| Award | Laurel Brown Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice as above. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 12 & 13 |
521 – Vocal Solo – Musical Film & Light Opera NC Year 9
| Class | 521 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.00 |
| Award | Wood Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice as above. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 12 & 13 |
522 – Vocal Solo – Musical Film & Light Opera NC Years 10–13
| Class | 522 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.00 |
| Award | Heddle Nash Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice as above. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 12 & 13 |
504 – Vocal Solo – Folksong NC Years 7–9
| Class | 504 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of unaccompanied traditional folksong. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
507 – Vocal Duet NC Year 6 & Under
| Class | 507 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Unna Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 9, 12 & 13 |
508 – Vocal Duet NC Years 7–13
| Class | 508 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Noel O. Robinson Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 9, 12 & 13 |
530 – Vocal Solo Beginners NC Year 3 & Under
| Class | 530 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £7.00 |
| Award | Non-competitive |
| Requirements | Own choice. Certificate for taking part. For children who started singing within the past Festival year (May–May). |
| Maximum time | 2 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 13 |
531 – Vocal Solo Beginners NC Years 4–6
| Class | 531 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £8.00 |
| Award | Non-competitive |
| Requirements | Own choice. Certificate for taking part. Same eligibility as above. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 13 |
532 – Vocal Solo Beginners NC Years 7–9
| Class | 532 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £8.00 |
| Award | Non-competitive |
| Requirements | Own choice. Certificate for taking part. For children who began singing within the past Festival year (May–May). |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 13 |
527 – Vocal Solo – Popular (Any Age)
| Class | 527 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Hessey Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of any song, performed either: • with an accompanist, OR • with a backing track without additional vocals. Performer must provide sheet music or lead sheet for adjudicator. Backing tracks: Performer must supply their own charged device, operated by an assisting adult. An extra 2 minutes allowed for setup/sound check. This is NOT a musical theatre class (adjudication focuses on vocal performance only). For musical theatre, see Classes 736–739. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 & 16 |
WOODWIND & BRASS
606 – Brass Solo – NC Year 8 & Under
| Class | 606 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Select Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
607 – Brass Solo – NC Years 9–13
| Class | 607 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £14.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of up to two pieces. |
| Maximum time | 10 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
608 – Novice Woodwind/Brass Solo – NC Year 8 & Under
| Class | 608 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. For any brass or woodwind instrument including saxophone and recorder. Open to performers who started the instrument within the last two years. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
621 – Woodwind Solo – NC Years 8 & Under
| Class | 621 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Roberts Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
622 – Woodwind Solo – NC Years 9–13
| Class | 622 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £14.00 |
| Award | Sir Hamilton Harty Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of up to two pieces. |
| Maximum time | 10 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
616 – Woodwind Solo – Prep Test, Initial & Grade 1
| Class | 616 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Bradshaw Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of a piece from Prep Test, Initial or Grade 1 exam. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5, 6 & 7 |
617 – Woodwind Solo – Grades 2 & 3
| Class | 617 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of a set piece from any current British exam syllabus. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5, 6 & 7 |
618 – Woodwind Solo – Grades 4 & 5
| Class | 618 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Voysey Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of a set piece from any current British exam syllabus. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5, 6 & 7 |
619 – Woodwind Solo – Grades 6 & 7
| Class | 619 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of a set piece from any current British exam syllabus. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5, 6 & 7 |
620 – Woodwind Solo – Grade 8
| Class | 620 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of a set piece from any current British exam syllabus. |
| Rules | See Rules 4, 5, 6 & 7 |
611 – Woodwind/Brass Duet – Open
| Class | 611 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £14.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of up to two pieces. Any orchestral woodwind or brass instruments, any combination. Repertoire must be at least Grade 6 level. |
| Maximum time | 7 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7, 9 & 12 |
613 – Brass Recital – Open
| Class | 613 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £16.00 |
| Award | Oughtred Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of three contrasting pieces. Repertoire must be at least Grade 6 level. Maximum time includes introduction. |
| Maximum time | 15 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
615 – Woodwind Recital – Open
| Class | 615 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £16.00 |
| Award | Granville Bantock Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of three contrasting pieces. Repertoire must be at least Grade 6 level. Maximum time includes introduction. |
| Maximum time | 15 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 7 & 12 |
