FESTIVAL RULES

For closing date of entries, please refer to the Syllabus. Early entries are greatly appreciated to assist with the compilation of the timetable. Late entries cannot normally be accepted. Proof of posting cannot be accepted as proof of delivery.

Entries can be made online or on the official paper entry form and sent to the relevant Section Secretary to arrive no later than the date stated in the Syllabus. The fees for online entries should be received within 7 days.

No entry fees can be returned, and the relevant Section Committee reserves the right to refuse an entry.

Age of performers is as at 1 March of the Festival Year for all sections. Adults are those who are 18 years at or before 1 March of the Festival Year. Performers must strictly observe the conditions regarding age.

Timetables will be sent to performers at least one week before the relevant class. If these are not received as stipulated, the relevant Section Secretary should be contacted.

All adult classes are open to professionals and amateurs (please see Speech and Drama Rules).

Time limits set must be strictly adhered to. Failure to comply may lead to reduction in marks or disqualification at the discretion of the Adjudicator. Time limits include any introduction of pieces and accompanist introductions and endings (this does not apply to the Speech and Drama Section). The performer should stop performing if over the time limit as indicated by the Adjudicator.

A performer may make only one entry in any class. However, a performer may enter a Vocal Duet, Piano Duet/Ensemble, Instrumental Duet/Trio/Quartet/Ensemble and Drama Duologue more than once with a different partner. Performers may enter an Instrumental Solo Class more than once if offering an alternative instrument and music.

Performers may only enter once in each group of graded classes for any section and should not have passed any grade higher than the one entered, e.g. a performer may enter one graded class in both Violin and Viola classes but not two different graded classes for Violin.

No substitutions can be made in duet or group classes after the closing date of entry. Names of all performers for duets and groups must be listed on the entry form. However, substitutions may be allowed at the discretion of the relevant Section Secretary.

Trophies remain the property of the Bristol Eisteddfod Association and are to be held by winners for one year only. The Section Committees will require the safe custody of their trophies, which must be returned in a good, clean condition not later than 10 February the following year. Should a tie occur, the winning performers should hold the Trophy for an equal period during the year.

Official Accompanists will be provided for vocal and instrumental classes. The cost is included in the entry fees. Performers may use their own accompanist but there can be no refund of any fees.

Copies of all music for the Official Accompanist must be sent to the relevant Section Secretary by the date stated on the entry form. Official Accompanists reserve the right to decline playing for a performer if the music is not received by the date stated on the entry form.

Copies of the music for the Official Accompanist must be printed on single-sided A4 paper. The first page must be clearly marked with the performer’s name and class. Please indicate the tempo of all sections of the music with a metronome mark, whether repeats are to be observed and any other relevant performance indications. There must not be any sections of the music missing during the copying process. Please do not staple or bind copies. Stapled or poor quality copies will be refused. All copies will be retained following the class and destroyed. Only individual pieces should be sent. Please do not send books or albums of music as the Festival accepts no responsibility for their damage or loss.

A copy of the music may be presented to the Adjudicator only if a purchased copy of the piece is available at the time of performing.

Items to be performed must be listed clearly on the entry form. Performers will not be allowed to perform any piece other than that stated. Substitution of pieces can only be considered if the programmes have not been printed.

Performers are expected to perform from memory in all Vocal and Speech and Drama classes unless stated otherwise.

Test pieces may not be performed in any other class than that for which they are set. Neither can vocal music be transposed into any other key than that written unless otherwise stated.

No performer may perform any piece more than once during the Festival.

In all Sections, the Adjudicators may hear the whole or part of any performance and may withhold any award if, in their opinion, a high enough standard is not reached. No Trophy will be awarded unless the ‘Commended’ standard is reached with a mark of 84%. The descriptors of marks are stated in the Syllabus and on the mark sheet.

Communication with Adjudicators is strictly prohibited. Adjudicators may disqualify a performer if this is not adhered to.

No recording or photography is permitted except with the permission of the Festival or relevant Section Committee.

No person will be allowed on the platform during a performance unless acting as accompanist or page turner.

The Festival and relevant Section Committee shall be the sole interpreters of these rules and reserve the right to qualify or determine any of the general regulations
as circumstances require. Any decision on any question arising therefrom shall be final.

Any protests must be submitted in writing to the General Secretary, together with the grounds on which they are based, accompanied by a fee of £20. The Festival Committee will inform the appellant of its decision within one month. If the result is not acceptable to the appellant, an appeal may be made to the British and International Federation of Festivals (BIFF) whose decision will be final. The name and address of the said Federation is available from the General Secretary.

Infringement of the rules renders a performer liable to disqualification.

Performers are expected to dress respectably and be neat in appearance.

We reserve the right to refuse an entry to the Festival without giving a reason.