Entry: All performers in competitive classes must be aged 18 or under on 1st September 2026. The Eisteddfod reserves the right to refuse any entry. Adult performers may take part in the Non-Competitive classes only.
Entry Restrictions: Except for the Non-Competitive classes no entrant may enter more than once in the same class: this also applies to duets, groups, ensembles.
School Entries: Solo performers and members of groups entered as a school must be pupils of the School on the day of performance at the Eisteddfod.
How to Enter: Entry to the Music, Speech and Drama classes is via the online entry form Entries will open on Friday 2nd October 2026 and close at 10pm on Friday 9th October 2026. Entry fees cannot be refunded other than under exceptional circumstances.
Official Accompanists: Official accompanists are available for all music classes but must be requested in advance on the entry form. A fee of £3.00 per class will be charged and is non-refundable. Performers may be able to arrange a rehearsal before the Eisteddfod at a fee to be arranged privately. A copy of the music to be performed must be sent to the Entry Manager when the entry is made and no later than Friday 9th October 2026. An accompanist will not be allocated to entries without accompanying music and the relevant payment. Copies should be marked clearly with the performer’s name and class number. Please indicate the speed required by adding (or altering) a metronome mark. If submitting a photocopy please ensure it is in playable format (no staples please). The published copy must be available for the accompanist on the day of the class. The Eisteddfod reserves the right to refuse to accept certain items of repertoire if the complexity of the music is such that accompanist preparation time would be too long. Partner schools may request a visit from an official accompanist. Performers are of course very welcome to provide their own accompanist.
Data Protection: The Eisteddfod will hold data contained in the entries for the purpose of administering the festival and will not pass on any information to third parties. Please refer to page 33 of the Syllabus for further information.
Electrical equipment: Electrical equipment / mobile phones may be provided by the performer and can be used as an accompaniment for all classes. Equipment must be pretested and approved safe (PAT tested) and marked to that effect. This applies to anything that requires a mains socket. Set up time must be before the start of the class.
Programmes: Programmes will be available for collection from Wansbroughs Solicitors, Northgate House, Devizes, SN10 1JX and Devizes Books, Sidmouth St, Devizes SN10 1LD from Wednesday 4th November 2026 and will cost £3.00. They will also be available at the Eisteddfod. If you would like a programme posted to you please fill in the relevant box on the online entry form and include the additional postage and packing cost of £2.50.
Audience Entrance Fee: It is regretted that owing to increased event costs, and in line with all other festivals, it has been necessary to introduce a small entrance fee for supporters when coming to the Eisteddfod. Entry will be £5 per day or £3 per session (morning, afternoon, evening).
Adjudication: In all cases the adjudicator’s decision will be final. All written communication regarding adjudication matters must be addressed to the Director via the website. In all questions and disputes the Executive Committee’s decision will be final. Any immediate issues must be addressed to an Eisteddfod steward. Communication with the adjudicator in all classes is strictly forbidden.
Order of Performance: The order of performance is decided by the entry team and for ease of timetabling. The Executive Committee reserves the right to make minor alterations, including sub-dividing classes, for the smooth running of the event.
Time Limits: Performers will not be placed if the time limit is exceeded and the performance may be stopped at the discretion of the adjudicator.
Class Times: Times of classes and venues will be sent via email to all applicants no later than Thursday, 16 October 2025. Please note that the organisers will endeavour to programme the festival as shown on the calendar on page 5 of the Syllabus but they reserve the right to make changes if circumstances make this unavoidable
Certificates and Comments Sheets: All performers will receive a certificate and comments sheet. These must be collected from the adjudicator’s clerk at the end of each class. The Executive Committee will endeavour to have the full list of results available one hour after the end of each class although this cannot always be guaranteed. Results will be displayed on the website and upstairs in the Town Hall Foyer for all competitive performance classes. Any performance certificates and comments sheets not collected at the end of the class will be sent to the Eisteddfod office in the Town Hall Council Chamber (during the festival only).
Those certificates and comments sheets not collected by the end of the festival will be sent to Wansbroughs Solicitors, Northgate House, Northgate St, Devizes SN10 1JX for collection from Monday 17th November until Friday 28th November. Any paperwork not collected by 28th November will be destroyed.
Award Categories: Results will be shown by means of categories. Award categories are not issued for non-competitive classes. All performers in competitive classes will receive a certificate showing one of the following categories: Developing, Progressing, Merit, Commended, Honours, Outstanding, Exceptional.
Awards: Please see the relevant class pages in the Syllabus, and page 11.
Eisteddfod Office: The Eisteddfod Office will be open on November 13 – 15 only and can be found upstairs in the Council Chamber, Devizes Town Hall. Please note this is for adjudicators and stewards to report and urgent issues only. All performers should go directly to the venue of their class. All information required by performers should be found in the Eisteddfod Programme.
Eisteddfod Financial Assistance Programme: To make access to the Eisteddfod as affordable as possible, the Executive Committee may be able to help with the cost of class entry and/or transport costs directly related to participation in the 2026 event. If your school/child/ student would like financial help with entering or getting to the event, please send an application email stating why you have a need to the Director at mdjmusic@gmail.com by Monday 14 September 2026. Applications will be considered by the Committee after that date and available funds will be shared and distributed as soon as possible.