Performers’ Information

If you have landed on this page, then it’s possible you may not have heard of or entered this Festival before. Here, you will find everything you need to know about your participation in the Festival.

Whilst some participants will have signed up with their school or teacher, the Festival is open to absolutely anyone, so we have many entrants who sign up privately and enjoy taking part on their own or as a group.

How to enter

The first thing to do is look at the syllabus and decide what you would like to perform. Once decided, submit your entry application via the ENTRY SYSTEM button in the main menu. In due course, we’ll make sure your entry has been filled in correctly, the correct payment has been received, and advise if there is anything missing.

Once the closing date has passed, we schedule the classes depending on the length of performances, numbers of people, as well as the rules regarding the adjudicators’ time etc. You will be sent information regarding each of your performances to your registered email address.


There will be a programme available to buy at the venue, which will have a list of fellow performers and what they will be performing. 


Your performance

On the day, as your attendance information will indicate, please come to the venue at least 15 minutes before your class start time. You will report to the welcome desk where we will register your arrival. Make sure you have brought a copy of any music/words you will be performing and also an accompanist if you need one.

There is a waiting area with a refreshment shop before you enter for your class and you can wait here or go in and watch other performers before your class.

When it’s time for your class you will possibly be asked to sit with the other competitors and when it comes to your turn, you will be announced. At this point, you will go to the performance area. Once you feel comfortable, you will announce the name of your piece and then it is your turn to perform. Your performance will be watched by friends, family, fellow performers, an audience, and of course, the adjudicator.

After your performance, you will sit back down and wait till the end of the class. During and after your performance, the adjudicator will make notes on an evaluation sheet before inviting the next performer. Once everyone in the class has finished, the adjudicator will say a few words to the audience and performers. They will speak briefly about each performance before concluding by announcing the winner of each class and awarding any medals, trophies, prizes, or cash! You will also go home with your evaluation sheet.

​Naturally, we want you to enjoy your experience and if you have any questions whilst you are at the venue then please ask one of our experienced stewards.

 

IMPORTANT DATES 2024

FINAL ENTRIES
5th October 2024

(No late entries will be accepted)

STRINGS
Fri 15th – Mon 18th November

SPEECH & DRAMA
Sat 16th – 20th November

PIANO
Thur 21st – Sat 23rd November

WOODWIND & BRASS and Ensembles
Sun 24th – Tues 26th November

SINGING
Weds 27th – Sat 30th November


EDNA HEAD AWARD
Sun 24th - Tues 26th November

PRIZE WINNERS CONCERT
Sun 1st December 14.30-17.00

Check list for performing

  • Dress appropriately for your performance


  • Make sure you bring your attendance slip information


  • Arrive 15 minutes before the advertised time of the class


  • If the entrant is under 18 please make sure there is someone supervising them


  • Bring a copy of the music/words for the adjudicator


  • If you need an accompanist bring one!


  • For choirs you might want to give more time for arrival


  • Tickets are available on the door to watch the performances

 

Our Venues

 

Kings Road United Reformed Church

Crowstone Road
Westcliff-On-Sea
Essex SS0 8LH

Directions

There are a limited number of parking spaces beside the Church, although local street parking is relatively painless. The nearest public car parks are around a 15 minute walk away at Shorefield Road & Hamlet Court Road

 
 

Westcliff Theatre

Westcliff High School for Boys
Kenilworth Gardens
Westcliff-on-Sea
Essex
SS0 0BP

Directions

The Westcliff Theatre is situated in the grounds of Westcliff High School for Boys and the car park is situated off Eastwood Blvd. When parking, please be cautious of pedestrians.

How to win a medal

At the end of each class, trophies, prizes and medals will be awarded and Certificates and Evaluation Sheets distributed in line with Federation marking guidelines. Refer General Entry Conditions for Competition

Trophy/ Prize / Gold Medal for 1st place: 84+ marks  

Silver Medal: 2nd place (in classes of 5 entries or more)*

Bronze Medal: 3rd place (in classes of 8 entries or more)*

*Please note that  trophies, prizes and medals will only be awarded if the first place winner achieves a mark of 84 or above.  

Accompanists

If an accompanist is required you will need to make a private arrangement as regards rehearsal, fees, and attendance at the Festival. We do not have an Official Accompanist but a list of suggested, local accompanists who you can contact to make such an arrangement, or you may arrange to use an accompanist of your own choice.

Pam Cox (up to Grade 6 standard only) - 01702 610009 

Andrew Palmer (eve and weekend classes only) 07989 261645

Janet Walker - 01702 528027

Verina Weaver ALCM - 07919 043190

Rachael Plunkett - 07447 688961

Isobel Kennedy - 07795821705

Please note: Accompanist fees are a private arrangement between the Accompanist & the Performer.