A Word

from the Chair

Dear Festival supporters, 

The 2024 Festival was well attended and run smoothly. Thank you to those of you who took the time to provide helpful feedback. The adjudicators were impressed with our festival, and provided helpful and complimentary feedback.

During the past year the Festival Trustees have been working to update the online entry system, using  ‘RunMyFestival’.  Please be patient with us as we learn to use this package. We also have a new bank account, a new marking system and new certificates. 

In 2025 we have arranged for a catering van to be on site, where you can purchase hot dogs, burgers, chips and hot drinks.  In addition, there will be the usual refreshment area, where you can buy cakes, biscuits and hot drinks.

The Newcastle-under-Lyme Festival for Music, Speech and Drama is affiliated to BIFF (British and International Federation of Festivals https://www.federationoffestivals.org.uk/ )    A new marking system was introduced by BIFF in April 2024 and is being used by all affiliated festivals and adjudicators.  The descriptors are clear and the details can be seen by clicking the links below. The marks will not correlate with marks given in the 2024 festival, so they need to be understood using the new criteria. 

Speech & drama

Music

Please support the Festival in any way that you can. We are grateful to the volunteers who give up their time each year to help the festival weekend to run smoothly. If you could become a volunteer, please contact us (info@newcastlefestival,org,uk).

With best wishes,