How The Wirral Music Festival works
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If you've never entered a BIFF music festival before and have no experience of how they work, your first time can be really overwhelming! This page aims to answers all your burning questions about how the festival works, navigating the application process and what to expect on performance day.
Photography - Nick Murphy
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When does the Festival take place?
The Wirral Music Festival is held over one weekend during spring every year, usually in mid/late March or early April. Our dates for 2025 are anticipated to be on April 4th & 5th. The Friday evening classes take place between 6pm - 9pm, while our Saturday sessions typically start at 9am and finish around 5pm with an hour break for lunch. What is a class? In a festival, 'class' is short for classification; over the festival weekend, numerous classes are available and provide a variety of spaces for different instruments, voices, ages, styles and abilities. Is it a competition? Whilst there is a competitive element, overall, the emphasis is on the opportunity to perform, gain feedback. and meet other musicians. Some classes are described as open, meaning musicians of any age can enter where a wide range of ability levels is platformed in each class. In non-competitive classes or masterclass sessions, a first, second or third place is not awarded. The appeal of these classes is for feedback and platforming your art without wanting to compete against fellow performers! 
How many classes can I enter?
Some performers choose to enter just one class, but you may enter as many different classes for as many instruments as you like, ensuring you fit the desired criteria! Singers and pianists enter as many classes as possible in order to receive feedback on different forms and styles. Can I perform more than one piece in a class? More than one piece can be performed only where stated. The total time for your choices must include any breaks or introductions. I don’t live on the Wirral, can I still enter? Absolutely! Although we are Wirral and Merseyside based, we welcome all entrants who wish to apply. We have seen entrants not just from North West England and North Wales, but from all over the UK and beyond! Can I change the pieces or songs I’m performing? Changes to repertoire are able to be changed up until the closing date. After this time, we are unable to accept repertoire changes. What happens after I apply? After the closing date, we quickly get to work organising a timetable. You will be notified when it has been released for viewing, normally around the end of February, and you will be able to see when and where your classes will take place. Do I have to bring my own accompanist? You are always welcome to bring your own accompanist, however we offer the services of our fantastic festival accompanists. There are some classes where it is necessary to bring your own accompanist or backing track; these instances are stated clearly in the syllabus. Will there be an opportunity to rehearse with the accompanist? After the schedule is released, you are able to get in touch with us and ask which accompanist is playing for each class. The impetus is on the entrant, teacher, or parent/guardian to reach out to us for this information, and it may be possible to organise a rehearsal with them. Please make sure your pianist's score is marked up in advance. 
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What happens in a class?
Entrants take it in turns to perform to an adjudicator in their chosen classes. There is usually a small audience consisting of the other performers, families, and any other visitors we have on the day. The class will be announced, and the performers will also be announced in turn. On taking to the stage, performers may choose to introduce their piece to give a description or background before performing. It is more typical for singers to do this, but it is not compulsory. At the end of the class, your adjudicator will give some general feedback on the performances in the class. Time permitting, they give feedback to each individual performer, and you will be able to collect their written feedback afterwards to take away with you. How do I get to you? Is there parking? For those joining by car, there is parking near the venue; we recommend Alton Road and availability on adjacent road. For maps, our address, and further advice on reaching us via public transport, please take a look at our Finding Us page. Do you have warm-up rooms? Unfortunately, we are not always able to provide warm-up facilities in our current venue. If you are in need of one, please do get in touch and we can make arrangements if possible. I have a clash! What do I do? In some circumstances, you may find that two or more of your classes overlap in different rooms. Don't worry; you will have time to attend them all! The stewards and adjudicators will be aware of your situation, and your placement in the timetable will allow you to perform in one, before moving to your next class. This may prevent you from the adjudicators talk and awards at the end of a class. Nonetheless, your feedback sheets and certificates will be available to collect later once you return to the original room. We can provide advice for overlapping classes and what order we recommend you attend them in. If you have concerns, please do get in touch and we will accommodate where possible. 
What time should I arrive?
It's always advised to be on site about 10-15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin. Sometimes, our classes are known to run behind or ahead of time, and in more serious times there could be an issue on site. We'll do our best to keep you updated in severe situations, but we advise to be prepared ahead of time. Do I receive a certificate or trophy? In all competitive classes, when the adjudicator has finished giving their feedback, certificates are awarded for first, second and third place, and a trophy is often awarded for first place winners. What happens when the class finishes? After placements are awarded and the adjudicator has finished discussion, there is a brief opportunity to people to enter or leave for the next class, or for any administration that needs to take place. It is the perfect time for a comfort break, purchasing refreshments, or to move to another venue to watch or take part in another class, which we encourage for personal learning and in support of fellow musicians! What facilities are available on site? Our site is wheelchair and accessibility friendly. There are also a delicious assortment of refreshments provided on site [currently cash only]. Performance rooms will be closed over lunch unless classes over-run, however if you have a long wait between classes and want to escape the festival area for a while, we recommend Oxton Village where there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops to visit in a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. |
Have we missed anything?
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If you have a question that we haven't managed to answer on this page, we’re always happy to help. Just drop us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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