New to the Festival?

The Festival is for amateur performers in music, speech and drama, and is open to children, young people and adults. To participate in the Festival you first select the class suited to your instrument or discipline, your age and level of experience. (see Sections and Classes) and enter. (Entries can be made from the December to February prior to the Festival). There is an entry fee for each class and this is payable when you make your application to enter. (Classes take place from 4pm onwards on weekdays and from 9am on Saturdays). After entering you will be sent details confirming where and when your class is taking place.

During the Festival, which takes place in May, you come along at the appropriate time and place for your class and give your performance. Participants perform in the order set out for each class in the Festival Programme, which is available a few weeks before the Festival starts. Comments on performances and a certificate grading the performance are given by a professional adjudicator at the end of each class.

Some classes have cups and awards for the best performance, others are non competitive with comments only. If you receive an award you may also be invited to perform at the Festival Concert held shortly after the Festival at the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill.

Parents, family, friends and colleagues are welcomed and encouraged to come along and hear performances. Entry to venues to hear classes during the Festival is by buying the Festival Programme. The Festival Programme is a Season Ticket for the Festival and the cost is £2.00 for each adult. Children and performers can attend for free. Buying a programme covers the entire Festival and it can be used again to listen to further classes.

At the Shaws Corner (United Reformed Church) venue Refreshments are available during the Festival.

There are several instrumental concerto classes and entertaining classes in song and group music making. A new "Hot Music Making" section featuring steel bands, jazz and Gospel groups takes place on Wed 12th May, 18.00hrs at Reigate Park Church.