Sidmouth Folk Festival’s Children’s Festival is looking for young performers to showcase at the festival’s ‘Star Stage’.

Find out more about Sidmouth Folk Festival 2024.

If you are a young folk performer aged 21 or under (singer, musician, band, dancer etc) this may just be your opportunity to be part of the 2023 Young Performers Showcase events at Sidmouth Folk Festival (August 2-9). If you are interested in applying, please read the information below carefully, then click the button below and complete the application form.

Please note, for applicants aged 17 and under, this form must be completed by an adult, and they will need to be accompanied by an adult during performances.

All applicants will hear back from our programming team in due course.

WHAT PERFORMERS CAN EXPECT

• Performers in the Young Performer’s Showcase will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents on The Star Stage, in Peacock Lawn, in programmed and publicised timetabled slots on agreed days.

• Each act will be given a maximum performance time length of 20 minutes per slot and all acts must ensure that they keep to this timing

• There will be an MC who will introduce each act and give a clear signal when performance time is reaching its end

• There will be a simple ‘no frills’ PA system (limited number of microphones and inputs, no onstage monitors) which should be used by all performers

CONDITIONS OF PERFORMANCE

• This is an opportunity to showcase your talents at a major folk festival

• The offer of performance may include an offer of festival passes but it will not include travel expenses or payment for the performances

• Additional PA is not permitted (apart from small on stage amplifiers for electric instruments if agreed by the festival) the festival’s PA system alone must be used

• While the festival provides a stage, open sided marquee covering to enable performances to continue regardless of weather and will publicise the performances, the festival cannot guarantee audience attendance

• Performers are expected to arrive and make themselves known to the MC at least 30 minutes prior to their performance time

• Performers should ensure that their instruments are all prepared and tuned before going on stage and must ensure that they can get on and off stage quickly

• Performers are expected to treat this opportunity in a professional manner and should give careful consideration to how they present themselves visually and in terms of introductions of performance items

• The festival organisers have the right to control the volume of any performance

• Performers should be aware that they are performing to a family audience and that all material should be appropriate and suitable for such performance. To get the most out of your performance on The Star Stage it is worth keeping in mind that the Gardens are open to the general public who frequently come in family groups to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Upbeat performances that raise the spirits therefore are the most likely to go down well!

• Performers under the age of 18 years of age should be supervised by a responsible adult

• Further details of days/times etc. will be provided by the festival to successful applicants.

• Simple technical specifications will then also be required in advance e.g. number of vocal/instrumental microphones or direct inputs needed.