Stars of Wicklow – Official Competition Rules

1. General

Stars of Wicklow is organised by Martina Lynch Event Productions.

By entering the competition, all contestants (and parents/guardians of entrants under 18) agree to abide by these rules and any decisions made by the organisers and judging panel.

The organisers reserve the right to amend these rules where necessary.

2. Eligibility

Junior Showcase

• Open to performers aged 8–17 years on the competition closing date.

• Anyone under 18 must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian.

• Parents/guardians must accompany competitors under 16 during competition events.

• All submissions must be made by an adult on behalf of junior performers as our team cannot communicate directly with these under 18.

Adult Showcase

• Open to performers aged 18 years and over.

3. Residency

The competition is open to performers based in Co. Wicklow. Proof of address and age will be requested.

4. Performance Categories

Performers are welcome from all talent disciplines, including:

• Singing

• Dancing

• Musical instruments

• Comedy

• Magic

• Variety acts

• Spoken word

• Other live performance acts

The organisers reserve the right to refuse acts considered unsuitable for a family audience.

5. Registration

To enter Stars of Wicklow, competitors must:

• Complete the official online registration form via Eventbrite. No direct entries via email will be accepted.

• Provide accurate contact details and all requested information.

• Pay the €10.00 non-refundable application fee at the time of registration. The €10.00 application fee is an administration fee and is used solely to process applications, manage registrations and cover associated administrative costs.

• Submit their application before the published closing date August 14th at 6pm.

• Incomplete entries will not be accepted.

• The €10.00 application fee is non-refundable under all circumstances, including but not limited to:

◦ Withdrawal by the entrant.

◦ Failure to attend an audition or performance.

◦ Unsuccessful audition or selection.

◦ Disqualification for breach of the competition rules.

• Applications will only be processed once payment has been received in full.

• In the unlikely event that the organisers cancel the competition entirely before any auditions take place, the organisers reserve the right to decide whether application fees will be refunded or transferred to a future event.

6. Auditions

Where auditions are held:

• Auditions will be via self-tape in the first instance.

• Selected acts will be invite to audition in person.

• The judging panel's decision is final.

7. Performance Rules

Each act:

• Must use family-friendly language and content.

• Must provide backing tracks in the required format before the deadline.

• Must arrive at the venue at the allocated rehearsal time.

• Live instruments are permitted where practical.

8. Judging

Competitors will be judged on:

• Talent and ability

• Stage presence

• Technique

• Originality

• Audience engagement

• Overall performance

Judges' decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

9. Prizes

Junior Champion

• €250 Cash Prize

• Sponsorship Package

• Championship Trophy

• Official Stars of Wicklow Champion Title

Adult Champion

• €1,000 Cash Prize

• Championship Trophy

• Official Stars of Wicklow Champion Title

• Additional sponsor prizes where applicable

• Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for alternatives.

10. Code of Conduct

All competitors, parents and supporters are expected to:

• Treat staff, judges and fellow competitors with respect.

• Follow venue rules.

• Behave professionally at all times.

• Abusive behaviour, harassment or misconduct may result in immediate disqualification.

11. Photography & Media

By entering, competitors agree that photographs and video recordings may be taken during:

• Auditions

• Rehearsals

• Performances

• Award presentations

These may be used by Stars of Wicklow and Martina Lynch Event Productions for:

• Social media

• Website

• Press releases

• Promotional material

• Future advertising

Parents or guardians consent on behalf of entrants under 18.

12. Music & Copyright

Competitors are responsible for ensuring they have permission to perform any copyrighted material where required.

Backing tracks must be legally obtained.

13. Health & Safety

Competitors perform at their own risk.

The organisers accept no responsibility for:

• Personal injury (except where caused by organiser negligence)

• Loss or damage to personal belongings

• Equipment brought to the venue

14. Disqualification

Competitors may be disqualified for:

• Providing false information

• Breaking competition rules

• Unsportsmanlike behaviour

• Offensive or inappropriate performances

• Missing scheduled performance times without prior agreement

15. Cancellation

The organisers reserve the right to:

• Change dates

• Change venues

• Alter the competition format

• Cancel the event due to circumstances beyond their control

16. Data Protection

Personal information will be used solely for administering the competition and communicating with entrants. Information will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including GDPR.

17. Acceptance of Rules

Submission of an entry via Eventbrite confirms that the competitor (and parent/guardian where applicable) has read, understood and accepted these competition rules.