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.

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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

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

The Cunningham Theatre

Thorpe Hall School
Wakering Road
Southend-On-Sea
Essex SS1 3RD

Directions

The Cunningham Theatre is situated on the left-hand side of the school. Whilst there is some parking at the front of the school, within the grounds, the majority is at the back. Follow the building on the left to find the parking behind the school. If this is full then to the right of the school you will find the main carpark.