Development Day 2025 - Programme Overview - All

Development Day

Sunday, 28th September 2025

10am - 5pm

Venue: Rambert, 99 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PP

Registration opens at 9.30am.

Lunch and tea/coffee breaks are provided.

 

Development Day is a fantastic opportunity for both members and those who are interested in applying to become BIFF members to come together to learn, share and develop our respective skills and knowledge.

Our focus for the day is the continuing professional development through the delivery of discipline specific workshops looking at innovation, new skills and best practice. The day offers a range of workshops and session that address some the key issues that are relevant in making today’s festivals inclusive, accessible and most importantly, enjoyable for all. The sessions will be delivered concurrently so you should choose which best suits your background and interests.

Adjudicator sessions

These sessions are primarily for adjudicator members and those those interested in becoming BIFF adjudicators, however festival and accompanist members are also welcome to attend. 

Music  - "Share your Flair" in live adjudication

Interactive sessions for adjudicators with live performances.

Participate and share your creative adjudication and unique approach.

Standardisation opportunities, professional development and discussions

• Live performances when adjudicators will assess the performance.
• After each performance volunteer adjudicators will be invited to share their flair in a mini masterclass with a view to helping to develop the performance further.
• An opportunity for adjudicators to discuss the performance, their adjudication, comments and marks.

Dance - Live Performance and Feedback

Session 1: Live assessment

• Adjudicators will watch a range of live performances and submit marks using the bands-only system.
• Scoring is done independently against previously benchmarked and standardised criteria.
• Marks will be shared with the adjudicator panel for review ahead of the group discussion.

Session 2: Collaborative session

The session aims to promote alignment while maintaining the integrity of each adjudicator’s voice. During the session you will: 

• Compare marks and explore variations
• Clarify expectations across technique, artistry, and communication
• Strengthen consistency and shared language.

Speech & Drama - Best Practice and Live Standardisation

Session 1:

• Best practice - Live standardisation exercises across the spectrum of communication disciplines.
• Best practice - Q&A with festival performers to refine and update adjudicator practice.

Session 2:

• Best practice - Live standardisation exercises across the spectrum of performance disciplines.
• Best practice - Q&A with festival organisers to ensure parity of expectation / requirements.

Festival Sessions

These sessions are primarily aimed at those running festivals, but may be of interest to all. 

Embracing technology - how the use of technology can become a festival organiser's best friend

Presenter: Finlay Campbell

This session will help to demystify the technology behind taking card payments at festivals and other simple ways that technology can simplify and streamline tasks for festival organisers.

Easy and cost-effective ways to market your festival and develop a brand identity

Presenters: Elaine Bailey, Niamh Bailey

How to create simple and easy templates using some of the free online tools available to improve your branding and help to market your festival effectively.

A beginner’s guide to social media - make your social media presence felt

Presenter: Jane Wilkinson

Back to Basics - An introduction to the various social media platforms, how to create social media accounts, how to create a story, post and reel, how to create appealing content and make your posts engaging to reach your audience.

Putting the funds in fundraising

Presenter: Finlay Campbell

Sharing ways to raise those all important funds to ensure your festival can keep providing a platform for performance. This session will look at how to approach funding applications so you can put your best case forward and also look at other ways of generating those much needed festival funds.

General Sessions

All participants are invited to attend these sessions.

Introduction to CPD programme and BIFF member benefits

Presenter: Deborah Ward. Panel: Claire Lloyd, Michelle Shore, AC Chairs, Jill Wright (FC Rep)

Join us for the launch of BIFF’s first ever CPD training programme, starting in January 2026. This session will outline the first year of training offerings and some exciting new BIFF member benefits.

Addressing cultural differences

Presenters: Deborah Ward, Jodie Clark, Yvonne Baisden and Guests

Understanding cultural appropriation, diverse identities and recognising inappropriate content within the performing arts.

Opening up our festivals

Presenter: Neill Oldham. Panel: Kay Tucker & Ann Bauer

Best practice and key considerations when planning and delivering SEND classes at your festival.

Challenging behaviours

Presenters: Elaine Bailey, Deborah Ward

Challenging behaviour can happen anywhere and our festivals are no exception. This session will look at best practice when experiencing challenging behaviours at festivals from the perspective of both a festival organiser and an adjudicator.