Section Links
If you would like to download the Alderley Edge Festival Music, Speech & Drama 2026 Syllabus in PDF format, you can do so here:
SPEECH & DRAMA ENTRY NOTES 2026
Please read these notes, the rules and procedures carefully before entering. Speech and Drama entries are online only.
Your Speech and Drama Coordinator Contact – Email:
1. To keep classes to manageable numbers, there is a limit of 12 entries per class from each school, except for class 804 Part Piece NC Reception. Large classes will be divided, and additional trophies awarded where necessary.
2. If an Own Choice piece contains ‘adult language’ or unsuitable content for a young audience please indicate this on the online entry and communicate with the Speech and Drama Coordinator. We must advise that this could present difficulties for the Festival to accommodate.
3. Hand your Own Choice copy to the Adjudicator’s Steward at point of performance. This will not be returned.
4. In Set Piece classes the Coordinator will provide the Adjudicator’s copy.
5. All individual names must be provided for group and duologue entries. The entry requirements for groups and duos allow a wide age range to perform together. We advise groups and duos to enter the class which is for performers no older than the eldest participant. In cases of illness, substitutions may be made and must be declared at the time of the performance, in which case adjudications will be given but unfortunately performers cannot win or be placed.
6. If a backing track is being used, the means to play it must be provided by the performer. If you have technical difficulties with the equipment, you may have to perform without the backing track. This will not affect your mark. You will be given 2 minutes to set up your equipment and check sound level, before the performance
7. Please comply with copyright details in particular respect of duologue and drama groups.
8. Changes to the entry detail can be made online up until the closing date 20 February 2026.
9. Performers who, in the opinion of the Adjudicators, are of a particularly high standard may be invited to perform at the Festival Finale on Saturday evening.
10. We will be pleased to send you a Programme/Programmes if the cost shown online is included in the Total. (£5.00 plus £3.00 postage per Programme).
11. Please direct your queries to the Speech and Drama Coordinator, if you are unable to get the answers from the AEF website or online entry system.
Please ensure that all relevant rules are adhered to.
If rules are not adhered to the performers will risk losing the chance of winning and being placed.
The Committee reserves the right to amend schedules to ensure the smooth running of the Festival.
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.
DRAMA THESPIANS
The Dawn Patrol Cup will be presented for the best individual performance of one piece other than those performed by the winner in either Alderley Junior or Alderley Young Thespian classes
707 – Alderley Junior Thespian of the Year 2026 (NC Years 7–9)
| Class | 707 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £12.00 |
| Award | Jubilee Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of two contrasting pieces: (i) drama (ii) a poem (may be a published Slam poem) or a piece of prose (must be read from the book) Performers must give a brief introduction for each piece and explain why it was chosen. The winner of this class may be invited to take part in the Festival Finale. |
| Maximum time | 8 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
724 – Alderley Young Thespian of the Year 2026 (NC Years 10–13)
| Class | 724 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £14.00 |
| Award | The Pam Young Challenge Shield |
| Requirements | A Festival Award will be presented for the best individual performance of one piece of poetry or drama other than those performed by the winner of the class.
Own choice of three contrasting pieces – a poem (may be a published Slam poem) a piece of prose (must be read from the book) and drama in any order. Performers to give a brief introduction for each piece and explain why it was chosen. |
| Maximum time | 12 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
DRAMA SHAKESPEARE
Name of play and piece or sonnet/poem required in online entry form.
727 – Solo or Group Shakespeare (NC Years 5–6)
| Class | 727 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece of poetry or drama, including sonnets, with a brief introduction. 2–6 performers. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
721 – Solo or Group Shakespeare (NC Years 7–9)
| Class | 721 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £12.00 |
| Award | Shakespearean Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece of poetry or drama, including sonnets, with a brief introduction. 2–6 performers. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
722 – Solo or Group Shakespeare (NC Years 10–13)
| Class | 722 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £12.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece of poetry or drama, including sonnets, with a brief introduction. 2–6 performers. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
DRAMA
714 – Small Group Performance (NC Year 6 & Under)
| Class | 714 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £14.00 |
| Award | Steele Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of drama, dramatised verse, or group poem.
• Dramatised verse to be acted out. The adjudicator will award marks for physicality and good use of performance space. 2–6 performers. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
725 – Small Group Performance (NC Year 9 & Under)
| Class | 725 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £14.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of drama, dramatised verse, or group poem.
• Dramatised verse to be acted out. The adjudicator will award marks for physicality and good use of performance space. 2–6 performers. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
730 – Solo or Group Drama Without Words (NC Year 9 & Under)
| Class | 730 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £11.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one mimed story. Please ensure the class is appropriate for the eldest performer in the group. • Title not required at time of registration. Performers may use: Backing tracks are encouraged however the Festival will NOT supply a sound system and performer must provide their own fully charged portable device to play the backing track. The device is to be operated by the performer. 2–4 performers. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14, 15 & 16 |
732 – Dramatised Poem (NC Year 9 & Under)
| Class | 732 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. The adjudicator will award marks for vocal performance with appropriate physicality and use of performance space. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
733 – Dramatised Poem (NC Year 13 & Under)
| Class | 733 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. The adjudicator will award marks for vocal performance with appropriate physicality and use of performance space. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
728 – Solo or Group Slam Poetry (NC Year 13 & Under)
| Class | 728 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of Slam poetry – excerpts are acceptable.
The adjudicator will award marks for a dynamic and rhythmic vocal performance with appropriate physicality and use of performance space. 2–4 performers. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
734 – Monologue or Solo Drama (Age 18 & Above)
| Class | 734 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece.
• Monologue may be from a book, play, or film. The adjudicator will award marks for vocal performance and appropriate physicality and use of performance space. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
735 – Poetry or Prose Reading (Age 18 & Above)
| Class | 735 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece.
Memorisation is not required. The adjudicator will award marks for vocal performance. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
701 – Sacred Text Reading (Open)
| Class | 701 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Mount Carmel Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one selection from: • The Bible • The Koran • The Talmud • Any other great sacred works, using an English translation Memorisation of text is not required. A copy of the text must be provided to the adjudicator at the time of performance. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6 & 12 |
703 – Duologue (NC Year 4 & Under)
| Class | 703 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Brockenshire Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. Please ensure the class is appropriate for the eldest child in the duo. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
705 – Duologue (NC Year 6 & Under)
| Class | 705 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. Please ensure the class is appropriate for the eldest child in the duo. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
706 – Duologue (NC Year 9 & Under)
| Class | 706 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. Please ensure the class is appropriate for the eldest child in the duo. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
704 – Duologue (NC Year 13 & Under)
| Class | 704 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. Please ensure the class is appropriate for the eldest child in the duo. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
715 – Solo Drama (NC Year 4 & Under)
| Class | 715 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Kennedy Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece from: • Published play • Film • Radio or TV script • Stand-alone piece (e.g., LAMDA anthology) Only the words of one character may be used. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
716 – Solo Drama (NC Year 5)
| Class | 716 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Bendelow Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece from: • Published play • Film • Radio or TV script • Stand-alone piece (e.g., LAMDA anthology) Only the words of one character may be used. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
726 – Solo Drama (NC Year 6)
| Class | 726 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece from: • Published play • Film • Radio or TV script • Stand-alone piece (e.g., LAMDA anthology) Only the words of one character may be used. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
717 – Solo Drama (NC Years 7–9)
| Class | 717 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | The Judy Drake Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece from: • Published play • Film • Radio or TV script • Stand-alone piece (e.g., LAMDA anthology) Only the words of one character may be used. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
718 – Solo Drama (NC Years 10–13)
| Class | 718 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece from: • Published play • Film • Radio or TV script • Stand-alone piece (e.g., LAMDA anthology) Only the words of one character may be used. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
DRAMA ACTING THROUGH SONG
The performers to announce the title composer/lyricist and character/characters at the beginning of the performance. A copy of the lyrics is to be given to the adjudicator steward at time of performance. The performance must have instrumental accompaniment or a backing track. An Official Accompanist will NOT be available for this class but a piano will be available for the performer’s own accompanist. Backing tracks are encouraged however the Festival will NOT supply a sound system and there is no sound system available in the hall. Performers must provide their own fully charged portable device to play the backing track and is to be operated by an adult assisting the performer. An extra 2 mins will be given to set up your equipment before the start of the performance. The emphasis for adjudication will be on acting and not vocal performance. A schematic of the stage can be found in the Syllabus on the website alderleyedgefestival.com Costumes are not allowed except for practice attire and suitable footwear. The only props allowed are two small props per performer. A table and chairs will be provided.
736 – Acting Through Song (Solo or Duo, NC Years 5–6)
| Class | 736 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one song from a published work of musical theatre or from a musical film.
Maximum performance time: 5 minutes including the introduction. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14, 15 & 16 |
737 – Acting Through Song (Solo or Duo, NC Years 7–9)
| Class | 737 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one song from a published work of musical theatre or from a musical film.
The performance must contain a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than 1 minute of published or devised spoken dialogue. Maximum performance time: 5 minutes including the introduction. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14, 15 & 16 |
738 – Acting Through Song (Solo or Duo, NC Years 10–13)
| Class | 738 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one song from a published work of musical theatre or from a musical film.
The performance must contain a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than 1 minute of published or devised spoken dialogue. Maximum performance time: 5 minutes including the introduction. |
| Maximum time | 5 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14, 15 & 16 |
739 – Acting Through Song (Group, Any Age)
| Class | 739 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £21.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one song from a published work of musical theatre or from a musical film.
The performance must contain a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than 1 minute of published or devised spoken dialogue. |
| Maximum time | 8 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14, 15 & 16 |
PREPARED PROSE
Please bring your own book and provide a copy of the extract for the Adjudicator at the beginning of the class. In prose reading classes the text must be read from the book and not memorised.
708 – Prepared Prose Reading (NC Year 3 & Under)
| Class | 708 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | A short extract from a book of your own choice. 2 min time limit includes a brief introduction. |
| Maximum time | 2 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
709 – Prepared Prose Reading (NC Year 4)
| Class | 709 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | A short extract from a book of your own choice. 2 min time limit includes a brief introduction. |
| Maximum time | 2 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
710 – Prepared Prose Reading (NC Year 5)
| Class | 710 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | A short extract from a book of your own choice. 2 min time limit includes a brief introduction. |
| Maximum time | 2 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
711 – Prepared Prose Reading (NC Year 6)
| Class | 711 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | A short extract from a book of your own choice. 2 min time limit includes a brief introduction. |
| Maximum time | 2 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
712 – Prepared Prose Reading (NC Years 7–9)
| Class | 712 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | A short extract from a book of your own choice. 3 min time limit includes a brief introduction. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
SPEECH & DRAMA
805 – Sight Reading (NC Years 5 & 6)
| Class | 805 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £9.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Set Piece The prose or poem will be selected and provided on the day. |
| Maximum time | 2 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 12 & 14 |
806 – Sight Reading (NC Years 7–9)
| Class | 806 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £9.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Set Piece The prose or poem will be selected and provided on the day. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 12 & 14 |
808 – Verse Speaking (Set Piece, NC Year 1)
| Class | 808 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £9.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Either: The Paddling Pool by E M Adams The Book of 1001 Poems ISBN: 0-00-185508-5 Or: Crocodile by Gareth Owen |
| Rules | See Rules 14 & 15 |
809 – Verse Speaking (Set Piece, NC Year 2)
| Class | 809 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £9.50 |
| Award | Lee Cup |
| Requirements | Either: Sounds by Irene Rawnsley The Works chosen by Paul Cookson ISBN: 978-0-330-48104-5 Or: The Little Elf-Man by J K Bangs |
| Rules | See Rules 14 & 15 |
810 – Verse Speaking (Set Piece, NC Year 3)
| Class | 810 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Sandra Cup and Plaque |
| Requirements | Either: Song of the Kite by Judith Nichols The Works chosen by Paul Cookson ISBN: 978-0-330-48104-5 Or: On the Ning Nang Nong by Spike Milligan |
| Rules | See Rules 14 & 15 |
811 – Verse Speaking (Set Piece, NC Year 4)
| Class | 811 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Parrott Cup |
| Requirements | Either: In The Mirror by Elizabeth Fleming The Book of 1001 Poems ISBN: 0-00-185508-5 Or: Sounds Like Magic by Celia Warren |
| Rules | See Rules 14 & 15 |
812 – Verse Speaking (Set Piece, NC Year 5)
| Class | 812 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Either: Rain in Summer by W. H. Longfellow The Book of 1001 Poems ISBN: 0-00-185508-5 Or: Grandma by Jan Dean |
| Rules | See Rules 14 & 15 |
813 – Verse Speaking (Set Piece, NC Year 6)
| Class | 813 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Pownall Hall Trophy |
| Requirements | Either: Hedgehog Hiding at Harvest in Hills Above Monmouth by Helen Dunmore The Works chosen by Paul Cookson ISBN: 978-0-330-48104-5 Or: The Lion and the Mouse by Judith Nichols |
| Rules | See Rules 14 & 15 |
814 – Verse Speaking (Set Piece, NC Years 7–9)
| Class | 814 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Rathbone Cup |
| Requirements | Either: Jack Frost by Gabriel Setoun The Book of 1001 Poems ISBN: 0-00-185508-5 Or: The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost |
| Rules | See Rules 14 & 15 |
803 – Verse Speaking Novice (NC Years 4 & 5)
| Class | 803 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Grant Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. Open to novices entering the Festival for the first time. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
804 – Party Piece (NC Reception Year)
| Class | 804 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £6.00 |
| Award | Non-competitive |
| Requirements | Each performer will receive a certificate for taking part. Own Choice: recite a favourite poem or nursery rhyme |
| Maximum time | 1 min |
| Rules | See Rule 5 |
816 – Verse Speaking (Own Choice, NC Year 1)
| Class | 816 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £9.50 |
| Award | Redesmere Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 2 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 14 & 15 |
817 – Verse Speaking (Own Choice, NC Year 2)
| Class | 817 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Fernden Mount Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 2 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
818 – Verse Speaking (Own Choice, NC Year 3)
| Class | 818 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | The Buckley Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 2 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
819 – Verse Speaking (Own Choice, NC Year 4)
| Class | 819 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | W.P.S. Trophy |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 2 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
820 – Verse Speaking (Own Choice, NC Year 5)
| Class | 820 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
821 – Verse Speaking (Own Choice, NC Year 6)
| Class | 821 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.00 |
| Award | Fernden Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
822 – Verse Speaking (Own Choice, NC Years 7–9)
| Class | 822 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Susan and Gillian Cup |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 3 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
823 – Verse Speaking (Own Choice, NC Years 10–13)
| Class | 823 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £10.50 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own choice of one piece. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 12, 14 & 15 |
801 – Duo Verse Speaking (NC Years 6 & Under)
| Class | 801 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | The Lee Sty Cup |
| Requirements | Own Choice of a poem learned and spoken with any combination of two voices.
This is a verse speaking class and should not include drama. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 9, 12, 14 & 15 |
802 – Duo Verse Speaking (NC Year 9 & Under)
| Class | 802 |
|---|---|
| Fee | £13.00 |
| Award | Festival Award |
| Requirements | Own Choice of a poem learned and spoken with any combination of two voices.
This is a verse speaking class and should not include drama. |
| Maximum time | 4 mins |
| Rules | See Rules 5, 6, 9, 12, 14 & 15 |
