Bowed Strings, Harp and Guitars Classes

Provisional date: 7-8th March 2026

Venue: Delrow Community Hall, Hilfield Lane, Watford, WD25 8DJ

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST CREATE A USER ACCOUNT AT LEAST 7 DAYS PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE.

Adjudicators:

To be confirmed

Entries: ONLINE ONLY (via our website)

All enquiries: Adie Landsman adie@watfordfestival.co.uk

-Please read the information below carefully.

-Please note that pieces can ONLY be performed in ONE class.

All candidates MUST bring a copy of their music for the adjudicator as well as an original book/sheet music.

For all digitally purchased music, you must provide proof of purchase.

*Please note that where age is specified, the age must be reckoned as on 1st February 2026.

Prizes: In all classes, there will be a combination of trophy and/or medals or certificates for prize winners and every competitor will receive a certificate and adjudicator’s comment sheet.

Strings and Guitar Section Prizes:

The Watford Festival Strings Award- £25 to the most promising young bowed strings player

The Watford Festival Guitar Award- £25 to the most promising young guitar player

Susanna Thomas Memorial Scholarship - £50 to the class winner

*NEW class for 2026

*Relaxed class*

A non-competitive class suitable for children of any age to perform in a more relaxed environment. Within reason, we will try to accommodate any requests or specific needs. Feedback will be given, but there will be no competitive element. All children will receive a medal for participating.

Please get in touch with the section leader directly to discuss your requirements.

Classes:

D0		Novice Strings - Pre Grade 1	2 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£13	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D1	Grades 1-2 - all bowed strings and harp		3 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£14	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D2	Grade 3-4 - all bowed strings and harp		4 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£15	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D3	Grade 5-6 - all bowed strings and harp		5 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£16	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D4	Grade 7-8 - Susanna Thomas Memorial Class - all bowed strings and harp		8 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 15 performers per class.	£19	£50 award
D5		Recital class - Grade 5 and below	12 mins	2-3 contrasting pieces or movements	limit of 10 performers per class.	£23	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D6	Sallie Bowen Memorial Recital Class - Grade 6 and above		15 mins	2-3 contrasting pieces or movements	limit of 10 performers per class.	£26	Sallie Bowen Memorial Trophy
D7	Ensemble class - Age 12 and under		5 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£18	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D8	Ensemble class - Age 18 and under		8 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£21	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D9	Guitar - Novice - Pre Grade 1 only - Age 16 and under		2 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£13	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D10		Guitar - Grades 1-2	3 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£14	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D11		Guitar - Grades 3-4	4 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£15	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D12		Guitar - Grades 5-6	5 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£16	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D13		Guitar - Grades 7+	8 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£19	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D14	Electric and Bass guitars - Beginner to Grade 4		4 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£15	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D15	Electric and Bass guitars - Grade 5+		8 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£19	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D16	Guitars Ensembles 2-6 performers age 12 or under		8 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 10 performers per class.	£21	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
D17	Guitars Ensembles 2-6 performers age 13-18		8 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 10 performers per class.	£21	Certificate/Medal/Trophy
DRS	Relaxed class -strings A non-competitive class suitable for children of any age to perform in a more relaxed environment. Within reason, will try to accommodate any requests or specific needs. Feedback will be given, but there will be no competitive element. All children will receive a medal for participating. Please get in touch with the section leader directly to discuss your requirements.		5 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 8 performers	£16	certificates, WF medals
DRG	Relaxed class - guitars A non-competitive class suitable for children of any age to perform in a more relaxed environment. Within reason, will try to accommodate any requests or specific needs. Feedback will be given, but there will be no competitive element. All children will receive a medal for participating. Please get in touch with the section leader directly to discuss your requirements.		5 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 8 performers	£16	certificates, WF medals

Notes

1. Competitors are not allowed to present any piece/movement in more than one class.

2. Please keep the piece within the stated time, as if a performance goes over time, a bell may be rung and the performance marked up to that point only.

3. A copy of the music MUST be provided for the adjudicator. See No.2 of Regulations and General Information. This rule about original copies and photocopies will be strictly applied.

4. We reserve the right to amalgamate classes with few entries, for both adjudication and trophy purposes. Candidates in classes that have been combined will be informe in advance of the competition. This includes combining recorder with other wind/brass classes of similar standards.

5. There will be a limit of 15 entries per class unless stated otherwise. We have the right to amend this at any time.

6. One original copy of the music must be provided either for the use of the performer or the adjudicator. You will not be able to receive Adjudicator feedback without a copy of the music.

7. You MUST be able to prove validity of your pieces for the graded classes. They must be from a CURRENT syllabus or previous syllabus which is still valid for exam performance on your instrument. Only ABRSM, LCME, MTB and Trinity exam pieces accepted.

7. You may play up to 2 pieces per class but must stay within the total time limit (unless otherwise indicated).

8. We reserve the right to disqualify any performers who do not follow the rules listed above.

9. Recital classes MUST present 2-3 contracting pieces or movements. Performers presenting only 1 piece will be able to perform and receive feedback BUT will NOT be able to compete for medals.

10. Where age is specified, the age of the candidate must be reckoned on as 1st February 2025.