Marking / Category System

To seek consistency our Festival adopts for all disciplines the marking and category system recommended by the Festivals’ and Adjudicators’ Council of the British and International Federation of Festivals (updated 2025), which is:

Developing 65-69: A performance demonstrating an awareness of technical skills, requiring more consistency and artistry.

Progressing 70-74: A performance showing development of technique &/or communication and commitment.

Merit 75-79: A competent performance, showing some artistic awareness &/or technical ability.

Commended 80-84: A convincing performance technically and artistically, with increasing stylistic and communication skills.

Honours 85-89: An excellent performance demonstrating fluent technical & artistic skills with emerging individuality.

Outstanding 90-94: An impressive performance technically & artistically, displaying spontaneity and clear individuality.

Exceptional 95+: A superlative performance, displaying exceptional artistic individuality.