General Rules & Information

The Festival is an opportunity for performers of all standards to perform publicly in a friendly environment with the benefit of comments from eminent, professional adjudicators.

Entry Forms

• Entries can be made online only at RMF at the 2025 Festival sent with the correct fee (including the accompanist’s fee if applicable) to 50 The Leys, Chipping Norton OX7 5HH by 2nd February 2025. Multiple classes can be paid with a single cheque or bank transfer (preferred option).
• Changes after the closing date will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances and will incur a £3.00 administration fee.
• Entries received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Time limits must be strictly observed.
• The Committee reserves the right to limit the number of entries, which will be accepted in the order of receipt.
• Classes may be split, combined or otherwise rearranged if necessary. Entries will be confirmed with the date, time and location of the class no later than seven days before the start of the Festival. Please check times and dates carefully.

Official Accompanist

Due to low numbers in the use of an accompanist in recent years, the official accompanist will not be an option from 2025. We will supply a list of pianists that class entrants, teachers or parents can contact to arrange the accompaniment, practice, music etc.

Backing Tracks

1. Live accompaniment is preferred - see our list of pianists available – but we recognise this is not always possible
2. Performer is fully responsible for bringing the track and the means to play it and for setting up quickly when they come to perform
3. We will provide a power socket
4. A downloaded track is preferable to streaming at the time of performance
5. Performer is responsible for ensuring they have appropriate permission/license to use the track
6. Track should not contain the instrument/part being played by the performer
7. You must indicate in the notes on the entry form if a backing track is being used

Own Choice Items, Copyright and Music

A copy of 'own choice' music must be handed to the adjudicator’s steward prior to the performance. The Music Publishers’ Association Code of Practice on Photocopying Copyright Works makes a concession for copying own choice pieces for use by the adjudicator and official accompanist, provided that the participant has already purchased his/her own copy and that the photocopy is retained and destroyed by the Festival immediately after the event. This permission specifically does not apply to set works. Participants will not be allowed to perform using photocopies.

Although any good modern edition is acceptable, it is recommended that participants use an urtext edition wherever possible.

Please ensure when selecting your music that this is relevant to the class being entered.

Photography, Audio & Video Recording

Due to child protection and copyright restrictions, the use of cameras and recording equipment (any audio/video including mobile phones) is not permitted during performances either live or via Zoom. This is because it can be disruptive and the Festival cannot be liable for anything uploaded to social media. The Festival photographer may be present at sessions and concerts, although images will only be used for the promotion of the Festival through the press or on the Festival website. The Festival may choose to share images with participants for private use only. Press photographers may also be present during the Festival by prior arrangement with the Committee.

Further information will be provided to participants with acknowledgement slips. This is in line with recommendations from the British & International Federation of Festivals –members of the audience that fail to observe these restrictions may be asked to leave.

Adjudication

In 2025 we will be utlising the new marking format used by British & International Federation of Festivals. Participants will receive the adjudicator’s written comments. Performances will be placed in categories as follows although not disclosed publicly:

BIFF New Marking Scheme - MUSIC

Marks will be in accordance with the BIFF scheme for each discipline. This is an opportunity to receive appreciative and constructive feedback.

BIFF New Marking Scheme – SPEECH & DRAMA & MUSICAL THEATRE

Marking Band Descriptors Criteria

Certificates may be awarded at the discretion of the adjudicator. Some participants may be invited to perform in the Festival Concert on Saturday 22 March 2025.

Festival Advisors

The Festival Committee may appoint ex officio advisors to consult on matters such as classes, Children's workshops, and Festival events.

Safeguarding

The Committee intends that the Festival should continue to grow and flourish in a happy, friendly atmosphere, giving the opportunity for children and adults to have a platform for performance, and be given helpful, constructive criticism, advice and encouragement from professional adjudicators. The Committee takes all reasonable steps to promote a safe environment, but the responsibility for the safety and well-being of children under 18 years of age and vulnerable adults rests with respective parents, guardians and teachers. Further information will be provided to participants with acknowledgement slips and the full policy can be found on our website or provided on request.

General Data Protection Regulations

The Committee takes all reasonable steps to manage personal data that it uses in order to run the Festival. The Privacy Notice can be found on our website or provided on request.