Regulations | Syllabus & fees: Pianoforte | Vocal | Choral | Strings | Woodwind & Brass | Carnatic | Child Protection Policy | Data Protection Policy
Where age limits are specified, the age must be reckoned as on 1st February.
In all 'Own Choice' classes, copies of the pieces must be provided for the adjudicator at the time of the competition. Competitors must recognise that failure to do so will result in the entry being classified as non-competitive.
Times stated in the syllabus should not be exceeded. Performances that overrun may be ended prematurely.
Original copies may be purchased from Shaftesbury Music, 2 Shaftesbury Avenue, Kenton, Harrow; Herga Music, 2A High Street, Wealdstone, Harrow; Perfect Pitch, 72 The Broadway, Chesham; or St Albans Music Centre, 20 Holywell Hill, St Albans; Photocopying of copyright material (or copying by any other method) is illegal unless permission has been obtained from the copyright holder. However, an exception has been agreed for 'Own Choice' works published in volumes:
'When an Own Choice work is selected from a publication containing several different works, and is not published separately, one copy may be made for the use of the adjudicator at the Festival, providing that the competitor, or participant, has already purchased his/her own copy and that the copy made is retained and destroyed by the Administrator of the Festival immediately after the event. This permission specifically does not apply to set works.'
Competitors are advised that this permission applies only to copyright holders who are members of The Music Publishers Association (103 Kingsway, London WC2B 6QX). It is the competitors’ own responsibility to ensure that they seek permission to copy directly from any copyright holder whose name does not appear on the MPA's list. This permission does NOT apply to making copies for the accompanist who should always be given a printed copy from which to work.
Competitors should provide a stamped addressed envelope and will be notified as to the date, time and place of the class or classes for which they have entered. The Festival Programme will be ready at the end of February and a copy can be obtained for £3, including P&P, from the Honorary Secretary or the Minutes Secretary (cheques payable to ‘The Watford Festival’). They are also available at all Festival sessions. Competitors or teachers who have not received a timetable one week before the Festival opening date should contact the appropriate section secretary.
Certificates will be awarded in all classes up to the age of 19 years. Medals will be awarded in classes up to the age of 14 years, with the exception of groups exceeding four in number. Trophies and scholarships will be awarded subject to a minimum mark of 85 being gained.
All trophies presented at the Festival are the property of The Watford Festival and must be returned at least six weeks before the next Festival. Holders are responsible for any loss or damage, which must be reported immediately to the Festival Secretary giving full particulars.
Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to 'The Watford Festival'. Entry fees cannot be refunded if, for any reason, a competitor is unable to attend.
Competitors may not communicate directly or indirectly with the adjudicators and must accept their decision.
The Festival Committee reserves the right to substitute adjudicators or to engage additional adjudicators and to hold competitions on dates and at places other than those notified in the syllabus. Any class may be withdrawn or rearranged should the number of entries warrant it.
Competitors requiring an accompanist should contact one of the suggested accompanists.
No video or photography is permitted during the performances. This is to avoid disturbance to the performers, to comply with copyright regulations and in
accordance with Watford Festival Child Protection Policy.
All queries connected with the Festival should be addressed to the section secretaries for the relevant sections.