FAQ
Below you will find some answers to common questions regarding the Henley Youth Festival.
Q When is the next Henley Youth Festival?
A It will be held on 21 March - 2 April 2011. Look out for posters and pamphlets coming soon and check back here for regular updates.
Q How can I get involved in the Henley Youth Festival?
A The Henley Youth Festival is open to all children up to the age of 18 who live in Henley or in the surrounding villages of South Oxfordshire, and /or go to school or college in Henley or attend one of the schools that feed into Chiltern Edge or Gillotts. If you've entered the HYF before but have moved out of the area then check with us first before applying. Every year we run a series of workshops, events and competitions for young people to take part in. It is always held during a week or so in March. Information is available on this website and specific information on Performing Arts and Competitions together with entry forms are also available through schools and the Henley Library.
Q How is the Henley Youth Festival funded?
A The Henley Youth Festival is a registered charity and is funded through sponsorship and donations. We also charge for some shows and events to cover costs.
Q What competitions are available?
A There are Competitions in writing, photography, film, art, and this year our newer competition Junior MasterChef is being sponsored by Paul Clerehugh of the very famous Crooked Billet restaurant.
For the Performing Arts events, this year we have removed the competitive elements to encourage everyone to take part and have the special opportunity to experience performing in front of an appreciative audience.
As in past years, there will be the ever popular inter-school sporting tournaments taking place - tag rugby, netball, 5 a side football, and the cross country event. Teams for all these events are organized by schools. Click on Sports for more information.
Q Can I enter more than one competition?
A Yes
Q What performing Arts events will there be?
A All the usual performing arts will be happening next year: two Dancer events for Juniors and Seniors, and the same for Singers who want to perform without microphones . For those that prefer using amplification why not try the Friday night Entertainer night when anything goes and we have a real mix of all sorts of talents?
This year, for the Music Makers we have a similar format for our Junior performers at the River & Rowing Museum who can perform at the same event as the Junior Singers. However, for the Senior performers (Yrs 7 & above) we are launching 'The HYF Proms' which will be a celebration of local musical talent, whether it be solo performances or as part on an informal group or an ensemble. There will be no winners or losers, but we will have the traditional selection of some perfomers to come back and perform at the Festival Gal on Saturday 2 Aprril 2001 - this is not based on technical musical ability but on the quality of the performance.
Once again we are holding the popular Gig Night in central Henley at the Henley Youth Centre. Check out the website page for more details and keep looking out for updates.
Q How long should my performance be?
A Details are included on the page about your particular event.
Q Do I provide my own backing track / CD / accompaniest?
A Yes, and please make sure your tape/CD is well labelled and the sound is good quality. This year, we have to insist on having the CD's submitted in advance. to ensure we can devise a really enjoyable concert and to be certain the music is saved and streamed on the computer.
If you require a piano accompanist please let us know really quickly so we can see if we can hlep you. Please not that most accompanists will a fee.
Q How will I know where to go and when?
A Once your entry form has been received , the contact person for that event will write to you to let you know where to go and what to expect. Click on Contacts for more information.
Q What happens if I miss the closing date?
A Phone the contact name dealing with the event and speak directly to them - allowances can be made for individual circumstances.
Q Are refreshments available?
A At some events, yes. Check out the notes on the Sports pages and you will see if you are advised to bring water. At the Performing Arts events food and drink are not allowed in the Kenton Theatre auditorium - but refreshments are allowed in the foyer and backstage. Please note that it can be quite warm backstage at the Kenton and you will need to bring some water and you can bring a snack if you want to. Because we have a lot of children to look after its not possible to allow children to go the foyer to buy snacks after they have registered with us so make sure you come prepared.
Q How do I get a ticket for an event?
A A booking form for tickets will be available on this website from mid February and the box office is open approximately 4 weeks before the start of the Festival week and remains open throughout the week itself. Click on Tickets for more information.
Q Is there parking available?
A Parking is available for events held at the River and Rowing Museum, Christ Church Centre and the Henley College. For events at the Kenton Theatre there is limited on-street parking (metered) and plenty of free parking in the evenings in the Waitrose car park in Henley.
Q How can I help?
A We'd love your help - the HYF is run by a great team of volunteers - there is always something to do, so please contact us if you 'd like to get involved.
Q Where are the event venues ?
A Click on Map for more information.
Q How do I obtain a photograph of my child performing/competing?
A A photographer will be present at most events during the Festival. Photographs will be available to purchase on a restricted website shortly after the event. To purchase photos, please email hyfphotolink@btconnect.com.
Q Will a photo of my child appear on this website?
A Photos and video of performers and competitors may be used in promotional material and on this website. Should you have any objection to your child's photo or video of your child being used, please notify us by email to emma.lt@btinternet.com.
Q What does the Youth Festival do to ensure the safety of participating children?
A Henley Youth Festival has been running for several years and event organisers have a wealth of experience to bring to the festival to ensure that all activities take place in a supervised, safe environment. It is the intention of the HYF Trustees and Steering Committee to maintain the strong 'safety culture' that exists throughout all festival events. A 'Staying Safe' Policy, has been developed to ensure this, which is available on request from helenmc.hyf@googlemail.com.
