THE RULES
Please read the following rules and agree at the bottom before entering.
*The ‘no-swearing’ rule has been relaxed a bit so swear words are allowed as long as it is considered ‘art’ i.e. within the context (lyrics) of an original song. If in doubt use a rhyming dictionary and replace! Gratuitous foul language will obviously not be tolerated anywhere at anytime. As the covers is during the day and this is a family event, NO swearing is permitted in this category. If you accept these rules, please click agree and continue to enter.
- The competition is open to all ages. Those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all the events.
- To be eligible to enter, at least one band member must live, work or go to school within the Horsham District OR the band/artist must have played at least one show within the Horsham District in the two years preceding the final.
- The three categories to enter are ORIGINAL BANDS, COVER ACTS and ACOUSTIC ORIGINALS. Please make sure you enter the right category!
- When entering, please supply a reliable email address that you regularly monitor as this will be our primary way of communicating with you. A phone number for a main point of contact is also required.
- If we have enough entries, heats will take place at a Horsham venue some time in June/July 2024 (dates TBC).
- The Cover Acts and Originals Bands finals will take place on 27th July 2024 in the Human Nature Garden, Horsham Park from 12pm. The Acoustic Originals competition will take place on 28th July 2024 in the Human Nature Garden, Horsham Park from 12pm.
- You MUST be available for one of your respective heat dates (if applicable) and corresponding final.
- All dates and venues may be subject to change at short notice. We will endeavour to avoid this but if we can't we will communicate any alternative plan as soon as is possible.
- All events will adhere strictly to whatever Covid guidelines are in place at the time based on both government and expert guidance. By entering this competition, all competitors agree to adhere to these guidelines at all of this year's events.
- There must be no swearing*, smoking or drinking on stage. Any band member who appears to be worse for drink or under the influence of drugs will not be allowed to perform. Please also refrain from directing the audience or inciting violence.
- Nothing must be thrown from the stage, this includes yourselves.
- Set times are 20 mins with 10 min changeovers. You must be ready to go onstage as soon as the preceding band has finished. If you overrun your set up time, your playing time will be reduced.
- Previous winners of the event will not be allowed to take part unless as individuals playing in a completely different band.
- Acts should only play their own original material in the Original Bands and Acoustic Originals competitions. If acts play cover versions in either originals competitions they will receive no points for originality (NB: The one exception to this rule is if an act's whole purpose is to perform original arrangements of traditional 'out of copyright' songs, eg: trad folk).
- In all competitions, acts will be judged on the basis of originality, stage presence, content, musicianship and audience reaction. The judges are aware that some bands bring larger followings than others and factor this in when assessing audience reaction. In the covers competition, the 'originality' criteria is interpreted as authenticity and/or originality of interpretation, whichever is more appropriate.
- Acts can ask for a copy of the judge’s scores and comments to be sent to them after the event.
- The running order for all heats and finals will be drawn by lot.
- The closing date for all entries is 31st May 2024 (this may be extended at organiser's discretion).
- The judge’s decision is final.
*The ‘no-swearing’ rule has been relaxed a bit so swear words are allowed as long as it is considered ‘art’ i.e. within the context (lyrics) of an original song. If in doubt use a rhyming dictionary and replace! Gratuitous foul language will obviously not be tolerated anywhere at anytime. As the covers is during the day and this is a family event, NO swearing is permitted in this category. If you accept these rules, please click agree and continue to enter.
