The Competitive Classes are limited to non-professionals (Professionals are those whose primary income is derived from this branch of the arts.)

Age Limits – as at 1 st September in the year of the Festival.

A Adults (Over 18)
B 16 or 17 years old
C 14 or 15 years old
D 12 or 13 years old

E 10 or 11 years old
F 8 or 9 years old
G 6 or 7 years old
H 5 years or younger

on 1 st September in Festival year.

• Age Group or Date of Birth should be clearly stated on the Entry Form and the Committee reserves the right to ask for proof of age and identity. Entrants in the Competitive Duologue Classes & Groups are marked in the age group applying to the oldest competitor. Group Classes may be judged in broader age bands.
• Entrants may enter any class as a Competitor or Non-Competitive "Seedbed" Entry. All entrants receive a certificate. In Competitive Classes certificates will be decorated according to the categories in the British & International Federation of Festivals standardised marking system. First prize will be a medal unless otherwise stated. If there is only one Competitor in a class or age group, a "Merit" mark of 81 or above will be required for a first place to be given or a trophy to be awarded.
• Marking Scheme The adjudicator(s) working at our festival will allocate marks using the British & International Federation of Festival guidelines. These will be displayed on the crit sheets and more details are given on the Festival Website.

• Entries in the writing classes remain the property of the writer but are entered on the understanding that the Festival may display them or use them in publicity material.
• Photography, sound or video recording is subject to strict conditions and permission must be obtained from the committee.
• Photographs taken by the committee may be displayed or used for publicity purposes with appropriate permission. If a parent or carer does not wish their child to be photographed, it the parent’s or carer’s responsibility to remove them from the situation at the time.
• Entries may not be transferred. Entrants may not enter the same piece twice in the same festival.
• All entrants must register at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of their class and submit a legible copy of their piece. (The Festival pays the ALCS for copyright of poetry and prose performed at the Festival. Dramatic items are not covered by this payment and it is the performer’s responsibility to obtain appropriate permissions, if necessary)
• Time limits will be strictly observed and should include introductions. Any entrant exceeding the time limit may be stopped and their performance judged to that point.
• All entries and pieces should be delivered in English unless otherwise stated.
• In Drama Classes no marks are awarded for costume or make-up. Hand props may be used. Except by prior arrangement, stage scenery is restricted to a table and chairs which will be provided.
• The Closing Date for Entries is 1 st October in any year.
• The Adjudicator's decision is final.
• The Committee will decide on any matter not provided for in the rules and are not obliged to give refunds.
• The Committee reserves the right to refuse any entry or admission to any person without declaring any reason and accepts no liability for any loss or damage, consequential or indirect, howsoever caused.