Please check with the individual section organisers for any rules specific to each section.

  • Open Classes - Any entrant deriving a regular income from teaching or performing the chosen instrument or dance may only enter those classes marked ‘open’. There are no open classes for Dance, and entries will not be accepted from professional dancers (see Dance Section Rules).
  • Age - An entrant's age is determined by their age, or that of the oldest member of the group, at the official closing date of the appropriate section except for Dance. For the Dance Section, the age group to be entered is the age of the competitor on 1st September of the preceding year (see Dance Section Syllabus).
  • Child Protection - Entry forms for persons under the age of 18 or vulnerable adults must be signed by the parent/guardian/carer/teacher who will be responsible for their supervision at the Festival. The parent/guardian/carer/teacher must tick the relevant box on the entry form to confirm that they accept that responsibility.
  • Entry fees – Fees are not returnable and entrants may not perform until paid. Cheques and postal orders to be made payable to “Aldershot and Farnborough Festival”.
  • Late entries - will only be accepted at the discretion of the organiser.
  • Entry forms - For the Piano Section, entrants must give the name of own choice pieces to be performed together with the name of the composer and the edition used, Entrants will be notified of the date and time of their class not later than one week before the event.
  • Copied Music - Photocopies may only be used to provide a copy for the Adjudicator and not as the main source of the music, and must be left with the organiser to be destroyed. When using printed copies of music downloaded from the internet or stored electronically, the performer must also print and submit the permission statement which accompanies the music.
  • Trophies - The adjudicators may withhold any trophy if in their opinion the standard of work does not justify the award. They must be returned unaltered and in good condition by the date specified for each section. Engraving is at the entrant’s expense and must be in keeping with existing engraving.
  • Communication with adjudicators - is not permitted on any matter relating to the entry class by entrants, teachers or other interested parties prior to or during the competition.
  • Time limits - must not be exceeded. Adjudicators may stop a performance at any time.
  • Recording - Photography and video or audio recording will not be permitted at any Festival section or concert other than by an officially appointed Festival photographer.
  • Property - The Festival and its officers will accept no responsibility for property, personal or otherwise, which may be lost or damaged at any venue of the Festival.
  • Communications - requiring a written answer must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope.