4.4 I know that I am the only competitor in my class, or perhaps one of only two. Is there any point in coming to the Festival?

Absolutely!

There are a number of aspects to this question. Whilst it is true that in many cases there are trophies or monetary prizes awarded to the "winner" of the class (as long as the minimum standard is achieved), this is not the only motive for taking part. You wish to improve your playing, gain experience of performing in public, and receiving an independent view on you performance. By attending, you will receive that experience and feedback, verbally and in writing. If you gain additional rewards, then that is a bonus.

A second consideration comes from adjudicators themselves. It is not unknown for our excellent adjudicators to express the view that they in fact dislike having to rank performances in order to determine winners and runners up etc: they are far more concerned to listen to and review your performance for what it is and to help you with constructive observations.

There are other observations which could be made, but one in particular recurs. We have on a number of occasions been delighted when competitors have said to us that whilst they were disappointed not to have had some "competition" in their class (and after all this is a competitive festival), they have been delighted with the feedback from the adjudicators, and so pleased to have been persuaded to take part. In some cases, new relationships have been established between competitors and adjudicators on a private basis for further more advanced studies.