Conference 2026 - Sunday Sessions
Sunday, 11th October 2026
09:45-10:45 Annual General Meeting
Session 1
The following sessions are open to festivals and adjudicators / accompanists. The sessions will run concurrently and will last for 1.5 hours.
Reaching out to bridge the gap – how festival outreach can increase festival engagement and increase inclusion.
Young people have more opportunities, activities and digital distractions competing for their attention than ever before. Amateur performing arts festivals can easily struggle to stand out. This session will look at why outreach is so important. By actively engaging with schools, community groups and underrepresented audiences, festivals can showcase the unique benefits of participation in the performing arts. This session will explore how thoughtful and targeted outreach can raise awareness, widen access and ensure that festivals remain relevant, inclusive and vibrant for future generations.
Storytelling in Dance: A look at Narrative Dance at Festivals - Presented by Deborah Ward
Since the widening of this genre, we have seen a broad range of concepts and choreography. This session will offer an overview of the diverse narrative work we are seeing and how to adjudicate it in relation to its narrativity and choreographic intention. It will also highlight how to deal with inappropriate narrative choices in relation to theme, choreography, music and costume design.
“Are you sitting comfortably?” - Alexander Technique with Jonathon Heather
A playful and practical session on how to take care of ourselves while supporting our fellow musicians.
We will experiment with and explore key areas of tension, bringing awareness, freedom and alert poise in sitting and movement.
Session 2 - Members’ Forum
An update from the Youth Board on their work and next steps, plus close of conference remarks by our Chair.
Lunch 13.30-14.30
End of conference