Yes! You can enter as many classes as you like. There are some exceptions that are specified in the syllabus, for instance, the Solo Recital classes in the Pianoforte section, or the Dance Solo classes.

Where most classes are restricted to amateur performers, Open classes are available for anyone to enter.

An amateur is defined as someone who is in full-time or higher education or is over the age of 22 and does not derive fees from performance or teaching of the subject of the class for which the entry is made.

All classes are based on the age of entrants on 1st September in the year prior to the Festival apart from Dance which is 31 August. This means that entrants are competing against other people of a similar age and/or standard.

We do not have a late entry policy, instead, we keep our entries open as late as possible! Our Section Leaders and Secretary need the month of December to timetable the entries and create the programme; for this reason, we cannot accept entries during this period.

The timetable is published after Christmas, usually two weeks in advance of the Festival.

Yes, you will need to bring the original copy of your music plus a photocopy of the piece(s) you are playing with your name and class number for the adjudicator. It is important that the original copy is shown also, as proof that you have purchased the publication. Photocopies are kept by the Festival and destroyed once it has finished.

The use of CD recordings, instead of an accompanist, to provide piano accompaniment for other instruments, is permitted, providing the recording is part of a professionally published musical edition. The means of playing such recordings must be supplied by the competitor.

Trophies must be returned to Ackerman Music by 1st January.

The Adjudicators' decision on class winners is final. They have the power to withhold any award and may stop any performance at their discretion.

We of course understand that many parents, carers or guardians may wish to photograph or video their children when taking part in the Festival, however, only the official Festival photographer is permitted to take photographs at our events. No unauthorised photography or video recording is permitted. We have adopted this position in support of our Child Protection Policy to guard against the possible misuse of images on websites, social networks and in promotional publications.