2026 Info
We are looking forward to our famous Adult (14+) and Children’s Competitions this year.
Adult Competitions
Adult competitors register on the day – for more information please see our guidelines (below).
MARY BATHGATE SHIELD
We are pleased to announce: The Mary Bathgate Shield will be awarded to the best overall novice in any of the adults’ musical competition classes.
Children’s Competitions **2026 entries now closed!**
** we have had a record number of entries this year and are looking forward to welcoming our young musicians on Saturday **
At Rothbury Traditional Music Festival we are passionate about keeping Northumbrian traditions alive and have a long history of encouraging new and emerging talent. Every year we run friendly, informal competitions for young musicians, vocalists and Northumbrian dialect poets. All entrants will receive a reward for entering the competitions and there are additional prizes for winners and placed performers.
We have classes for choirs, groups and duos, Northumberland dialect poetry as well as for soloists – singers, fiddle/ violin/ viola, piano and miscellaneous instruments (everything else!). Classes are divided by school year group: Reception – year 4 and years 5-8. Performers in year 9 and above are encouraged to enter our adult competitions.
Our judges for 2026: joining us again is Alex Wade, a fabulous woodwind and concertina teacher as well as award-winning dance musician. Making her debut with us this year is Fiona Lander: singer, pianist, composer and inspiring choir leader.
For more information about the children’s competitions please read our 2026 guidelines or email rtmfchildrenscompetitions@gmail.com
**NEW – young musicians aged 6-18 might also be interested in our ‘pop-up’ YOUTH BAND – click here for more details**
Important Essential Documents:
Guidelines & rules for competitions:
