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• The Bristol Dance Eisteddfod is for amateur performers only, including performers who may have but no longer train vocationally.

•  The upper age limit to our festival 18yrs for solos and 21years for groups.

• The age of performer will be determined as of the 31st August 2025. Accuracy of birth dates is essential. In cases of doubt a birth certificate or other proof of age may need to be produced. Duet/Trio/Quartets & Groups classes will be entered by the age of the oldest performer.

• Performers must not compete more than once in any solo class and twice in any duet/trio class. Performers may not dance together more than once in any one class.

• In Group Classes, teachers may enter as many groups as they wish provided no competitor performs more than twice in any Group Class. At adjudication no more than five members may stand on stage to represent their group. 

• The Adjudicators decision is final.

• Dances must not exceed specified time limits, with timing beginning from the first note, word, or movement.

• Performers in classes up to and including 9&10years may be permitted to re-start a dance once only. 

• The Festival reserves the right to commence any classes up to 30 minutes earlier than published in the official programme.

• All classes, regardless of the number of performers, will qualify for Gold, Silver and Bronze medal places.

• The Festival reserves the right to combine classes when entry numbers are small and to divide a class when entries total more than 30.

• Music must be uploaded via the entry system on the AED Portal. Teachers are responsible for ensuring the correct music is uploaded and adheres to outlined time limits, which can be verified through the portal.  The Festival does not take responsibility for incorrect music tracks that are uploaded.

• Vocals are not allowed on accompaniment for Musical Theatre.

• Acro is permitted provided it is combined with dance technique and in the correct genre.

• Adjudicators will evaluate the entire performance beyond choreography, including music choice, interpretation, recording quality, and suitability of recorded vocals. Please see the genre descriptors for further guidance.

• Pointe work is not permitted in any Ballet Classes under 13yrs.

• Tap – fixed tap (single sound) only may be used. Tapping is not permitted in the Sports Hall due to the wooden flooring.

• The supervision of children in allocated changing rooms is the responsibility of teachers/schools/parents/guardians. The Festival respectfully asks that all rooms used are kept clean and tidy with rubbish disposed of accordingly. No filming or photography is allowed in the changing rooms, this includes Social Media posts. 

• A maximum of 2 chaperones per school are permitted side of stage during sections.

• The Festival is bound by copyright law and cannot allow photography, audio or video recordings of any kind including mobile phones during a performance. However, performers may be asked to be photographed for the social media and Festival marketing.

• There will be an official photographer/videographer present at the Festival.  If you wish to opt out, please notify in advance. 

• Trophies and cups will be awarded to winners at the discretion of the Adjudicator. These are held for 12 months and remain the property of the Bristol Dance Festival. All winners are personally responsible for the safe custody and return of trophies. 

• All performers will receive an adjudication sheet, which will be available to competitors as soon as is practicable following the class. They may be posted if a stamped addressed envelope is provided.

• Any complaint/objection relating to the Festival must be submitted in writing to the Festival Committee for consideration by the committee if necessary. The decision of the committee on all matters arising, or not specifically covered in these regulations is final.

 

   ​FEES 2026

   Class entry fees are as follows:

   ALL SOLO CLASSES £9.00

   ALL DUET CLASSES £12.00 

   TRIO/QUARTET CLASSES £16.00

   GROUP CLASSES £3 per dancer

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​  ADMISSION CHARGES 2025

  Family members and members of the public are welcome to view all sessions.

  ADULTS £8.00 - All Day Pass

  ADULTS £5.00 - Morning Session   ADULTS £5.00 - Afternoon Sessions

  Programmes will be available to purchase on the door at £5.00 each.

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