1. All entries must be made on the official entry forms, EITHER by email to contact@northamptoneisteddfod.org.uk, OR by post and submitted as a paper entry reaching the Entries Secretary on or before the closing date as given in the syllabus.
2. No entry will be accepted UNLESS accompanied by the Entry Fee with Paper Entry Form or Proof of payment with Payment Reference as indicated on Entry Form. An emailed confirmation of entries will be sent to entrants with an email address. Entry fees will only be returned as a decision of the committee. The committee reserves the right to refuse any entry.
3. Each entrant must be in the appropriate school year group for each class. Group entries must belong to the specified year groupings.
4. Performers in all ensemble classes must be bona fide members of the group concerned.
5. Entrants may perform only once in each class except in duet, trio or ensemble classes where an entrant may perform more than once provided a different part is played.
6. The Eisteddfod is for amateurs, which is defined as one who does not receive more than out-of-pocket expenses for services rendered in those branches of the arts with which the Festival is concerned. This rule does not apply to a conductor.
7. The committee reserves the right to limit, cancel or subdivide any class.
8. The committee reserves the right to substitute any Adjudicator without notice.
9. NO photographs or recordings may be taken DURING ANY PERFORMANCE but may be taken after the performance WITH RELEVANT PERMISSION.
11. Confirmation of venue, date, and time of classes will be available on the festival website (www.northamptoneisteddfod.org.uk) or in the printed Programme when available.
12. A copy of Own Choice pieces (including choices from examination grades) must be provided for the Adjudicator's use on the day and be marked with name and class number, otherwise the performance will be judged non-competitively.
13. Where music has an accompaniment, this should be used. Official Accompanists will be available if requested at the time of entry and must be provided with an original copy from which to play for the performance. A copy of the Own Choice piece must reach the Music Co-ordinator at least two weeks prior to the Festival or direct to the Official Accompanist as listed in the Programme. Failure to comply with this rule will mean that the entrant should supply their own accompanist. A CD accompaniment will be acceptable, CD Player equipment TO BE PROVIDED BY THE ENTRANT(S).
14. Time Limits apply to actual performance time, which does not include tuning time, setting of the stage or introduction. Time Limits will be strictly adhered to and if exceeded the performance may not be placed.
15. Whilst performance in some classes has a competitive element, it is not an examination and the intention is to offer a performance opportunity in a supportive environment.
The Adjudicator's decision will be regarded as final.
17. No entrant, teacher or interested party may discuss any aspect of the Eisteddfod with an Adjudicator before, during or after classes, except at the invitation of the Adjudicator.
18. Every entrant will receive a Performance Certificate and the Adjudicator's comments. After Adjudication, Certificates and Awards will be presented. Awards may be withheld if, in the opinion of the Adjudicator, sufficient merit is not shown.
20. It is the entrant's responsibility to ensure that the provisions of the 1956 and 1988 Copyright Acts are observed. The Music Publishers' Association has revised its Code of Practice insofar as Own Choice Works selected from volumes is concerned: When selecting from a publication containing several different works and where the required work is not published separately, one copy may be made for the Adjudicator. The copy will be retained by the Festival and destroyed after the event. This permission does not apply to set works nor to making copies for Accompanists who must always be given an original copy from which to play. Single copies of items may not be photocopied without the prior permission of the Copyright holder.
21. Our Speech and Drama section is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society. This means that performers do not have to seek Copyright permission for any poetry, prose or solo dramatic items performed to a limit of 10 minutes. Performers and teachers will be delighted to know that their participation in this Eisteddfod means that authors will be directly reimbursed as a consequence of their works being performed at this Eisteddfod.
22. Solo dramatic items must be announced with title and author at the time of performance to qualify for copyright indemnity, and the performer must not change the words or gender of the character.
23. Duologues and group dramatic activity are not covered by this agreement and copyright for these items should be sought by performers at time of entry.
24. Performers in Own Choice verse classes will be required to submit a copy to the Adjudicator's Steward stating TITLE – AUTHOR – PUBLISHER.