Celebrating Talent
Performing Arts Competition Since 1908

2024 COMPETITION: Entries for 2024 Competition are now closed

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Copyright

Use of Copies:

Performers are reminded that it is illegal to reproduce music by any means, without the permission of the owner of the copyright. The prevalence of photocopying without authority has so far reduced the sales of music copies that very little new choral and vocal music is being published and much is going out of print. A publisher may give consent to photocopy out of print items or sell them as "Archive" copies.

The Music Publishing Association has issued the following Code of Practice on copying Copyright works:

"When an "Own Choice" is selected from a publication containing several different works which are not published separately, one copy may be made for the use of the Adjudicator at a Competition or Festival provided that the performer has already purchased his/her own copy and that the copy made is retained and destroyed by the Administrator of the Competition or Festival immediately after the event. The permission specifically does not extend to set works. Performers are advised that this permission only applies to member of the Music Publishers Association (MPA). It is the performers responsibility to ensure that they seek permission to copy directly from any copyright holder who is not a member of the MPA"

Recorded Music:

The Hastings Musical Festival is a member of the British Federation of Music Festivals and participates in its group licence to cover payment of fees for the use of recorded music at its events. Teachers using tapes created from commercial recordings are advised to seek permission to re-record from the record companies concerned as the Festival cannot take responsibility for this.

Please see each Section for details of any specific licensing arrangements and regulations

Entry to the 2024 Festival

Entries for 2024 Festival are now closed