Instrumental Music

Online Entry Closes 30 Nov 2025

  • The Instrumental section is dedicated to public instrumental performances from young people at all stages of their musical development. The Syllabus gives the opportunity for every young instrumentalist to perform, and to receive feedback which will help them further develop their skills in their chosen instrument and their confidence in public performance. The increased public profile of the Instrumental Section in recent years has brought in a welcome influx of entries from young musicians from the Irish Republic, Great Britain and further afield, which has contributed to the achievement of even higher standards. For the more advanced musicians the enhanced value of the prizes and bursaries in recent years has provided welcome practical assistance to young people who are in many cases embarking on life at music college.

Vocal Music

Online Entry Closes 30 Nov 2025

  • The Vocal Section provides a platform for singers to explore and showcase their vocal talents across a wide range of styles and genres. Open to performers at all levels, the Syllabus is designed to encourage participation, offering each singer the chance to develop their vocal technique and stage presence in a supportive, public setting. The section continues to grow in popularity, drawing entrants from across the Irish Republic, Great Britain, and further afield, and helping to foster a spirit of artistic excellence. For more advanced vocalists, enhanced awards and bursaries offer not only recognition but also valuable practical support as they prepare for further study or a future in professional performance.

Traditional Music

Online Entry Closes 30 Nov 2025

  • The Traditional Irish Music Section celebrates the rich heritage of Ireland’s musical traditions, providing musicians with the opportunity to perform in a setting that honours authenticity, creativity, and skill. This section encourages participation from all levels of experience, with a Syllabus that embraces the diversity of traditional styles and regional influences.

Speech and Drama

Online Entry Closes 30 Nov 2025

  • Fear of Public Speaking is not unusual. In fact, up to 75% of the population is said to suffer from it to varying degrees. It even has a name, ‘Glossophobia’. The aim of the Speech and Drama Section at Ballymena Festival is to keep this fear at bay and indeed to banish it altogether from those young people who take part in the many classes available. Classes range from verse-speaking (probably the most well-known discipline) to prepared prose to drama to speech-making. The aim is to encourage our performers to gain confidence and skill in using their speaking voice to communicate clearly and effectively with an audience. This is very much a transferable skill which will be of value in the real world, not just for teachers or lawyers or actors but for anyone who has to make a presentation or attend a job interview. The Speech and Drama Section aims to provide an encouraging and supportive atmosphere for all those children who are finding their voice.

  • Due to copyright, we can no longer have the Set Poems available for download on our website. If you have any difficulty in sourcing the books or the poems, please contact the section secretary by email, and she will be happy to assist.

  • Click here to view the guidelines for the Speech and Drama section

Modern Dance

Online Entry Closes 31 Jan 2026

  • The Modern Dance Section, established in 2014, was created to embrace the energy, expression, and diversity of today’s most popular dance genres—including ballet, lyrical, modern, tap, character, song & dance, and hip hop. This vibrant and popular section offers a platform for creativity and performance, while encouraging technical growth and artistic development. Its inclusive approach has attracted a wide range of participants from across Northern Ireland, contributing to a dynamic and ever-evolving showcase of talent. With opportunities for feedback, recognition, and awards, the section continues to inspire young dancers to pursue their passion and reach new heights in their performance journey.

Modern Dance Championship

Online Entry OPENS on 08 May 2026 and CLOSES on 22 May 2026 at 7pm

  • The Modern Dance Championship is a highlight of the festival, offering a prestigious platform for outstanding young dancers to compete across a range of contemporary styles. Open to performers who have demonstrated exceptional technique, artistry, and stage presence, the Championship celebrates excellence in genres such as lyrical, modern, tap, and song & dance. Dancers qualify through preliminary rounds, with finalists invited to perform before an expert adjudication panel. The event not only recognises top-tier talent but also provides invaluable performance experience in a competitive yet supportive environment. With significant prizes and accolades on offer, the Championship serves as both a celebration of achievement and a stepping stone toward professional and vocational dance training.