Our festival runs on the first 3 weekends of March each year with a Gala concert for some our outstanding performers on the 4th weekend.
If you have entered, please read these notes below which will hopefully provide you with all the information you need for the event.
All Classes will be held at Queen Mary’s College, Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, RG21 3HF
Timetables will be available at least 2 weeks before the start of the festival by logging in to our Play and Perform entry system.
What happens on the day?
Please arrive around 20 minutes before your class time to give yourself time to warm up (there will be warm up rooms available).
When it is time for your class please make your way in to the performance space and sit in the audience. When it is your turn to play you will be called to come to the front. On your way up you should hand your copy of your performance material in at the adjudicator desk.
The adjudicator will be writing your feedback sheet while you play and for a few moments afterwards. When you have finished please take a seat in the audience again.
Once everyone has performed the adjudicator will talk to everyone in the class as a group offering helpful and positive feedback to help you build on your performances. There may be comments directed to specific individuals.
Medals and trophies are available for the winners of some classes and certificates are awarded to all performers.
Certificates and feedback sheets will be available at the end of each class.
Please feel free to take photographs of your own performers in front of our posters OUTSIDE the performance space and share on social media. We would love to share the word of our festival and have even more performers next year!
Adjudicator copies of music / performance material
Please make a photocopy of your music for the adjudicator. This should be handed in at the adjudicators desk on your way to perform. For logistics reasons PDFs cannot be accepted this year.
Digital Backing Tracks and Equipment (for all sections except Singing)
All entrants using digital backing tracks must supply their own playback device and speaker.
Digital Backing Tracks and Equipment (Singing)
Please bring a CD of your accompaniment (or a device you can use to play digital tracks with an aux connection port).
Safeguarding
Please read through our safeguarding policy available on our website
Photography
For safeguarding purposes. If you would like to video or photograph your child’s performance you must register at the sign in desk to do so and a collect a permit. In doing so you agree to the terms below:
- Only capture your own child.
- Anyone who is found to be photographing without a permit will be stopped and asked to leave.
- Filming of the adjudication is not allowed
Our official photographers will be taking photographs across all 4 festival weekends and will be identifiable by their lanyards. These photographs may be shared by the festival on social media and used for festival promotional purposes. Photographs will also will be available to purchase after the festival.
Arrival and Map
Please arrive around 20 minutes before your class time to give yourself time to warm up (there will be warm up rooms available).
A map of the site is available at the bottom of this page. All areas used by BMAF are indicated with a red star.
Tea & coffee facilities will be provided for a donation. Please bring your own cup where possible.
Bands, choirs and Ensembles
Performers should use the side entrance to the left of Queen Mary’s Hall. No parents or non performers will be allowed in via these doors.
Attire
Entrants are advised to consider their appearance as part of their performance and to dress appropriately ie smart but casual. The entrants comfort however is the most important factor.
Tickets & Classes
There will be an entry fee for audience members 18 and over of £4 per session / £7 per day/ £12 per weekend, per person.
It is possible that your class will be grouped with a few other classes to ensure all performers have an audience.
You are welcome to stay and watch other classes across the festival within the session you have performed in / the session on your audience ticket.
Programmes will be available on the door for £3
