Dudley Performing Arts staff will be on hand to assist bands setting up if required and will ensure that PA, drums and amplifiers are available.
Entry Criteria
- Each band/act must perform 2 numbers at the preliminary stage - at least one of these must be composed by the band.
- Each band/act will have a maximum time of 15 minutes to set up, perform and clear for the next band at the preliminary stage.
- Bands will apply to take part in Rock The Castle by submitting a completed entry form. After the closing date a list of times will be posted on this website.
- DPA do not guarantee to hear bands that arrive late, or are not ready to play at the correct time.
- All bands will audition using DPA provided back line equipment.
- No foul/abusive language or lyric content is permitted.
- Schools/colleges may enter as many bands as they like.
- It is not essential that all band members belong to the same school, but the majority of the band must be in full time education (school or college). The maximum age for any performer is 19 years old on the day of the summer festival.
- Each band will complete a simple questionnaire at the preliminary round to provide DPA with additional information.
- Successful bands will be invited to play at the Rock The Castle event
- Entry forms must be received at DPA at the date specified on the form - we will not guarantee to accept late submissions.
In order to give the ‘younger bands’ a chance and to promote rock music in schools, the qualifying bands will include a mixture of school bands and college bands.
A second audition evening may take place later in the term if sufficient bands are not identified from the preliminary auditions.
Rock The Castle event
- Bands will be asked to play for either 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes (this will be at the discretion of the prelim panel) and will be allocated to either the Dudley Concert Hall main stage / platform stage or banqueting suite stage. Qualifying bands will be sent a contract and all places are provisional until these are returned. DPA may re-allocate places if contracts are not returned promptly.
- Bands are not permitted to exceed the time limit - DPA will turn off the power if bands over run
- No foul/abusive language or lyric content is permitted at any stage of the event.
- All bands will use a common back line provided by DPA at the event. Bands are not permitted to use own amplifiers/heads or make excessive changes to drum kits.
- DPA reserve the right to withdraw any artists from the event or reduce performance durations at any point
- DPA may use photographs/video footage of performers for current/future promotion.
- Artist will not be under the influence of any substance, medicine or alcohol while at the event.
Banqueting Suite Stage
Maximum of 3 performers per group
Maximum time duration of 15 minutes per group (less if requested)
No backing tracks
No distortion
Minimal drum kit (kick, snare, hats, ride and crash only)
By entering Rock The Castle you agree to the criteria as outlined above - Please do not submit an entry form if you are unable to comply
