Festival FAQs
See if your query is answered below. Otherwise get in touch with us by emailing contact@ccmf.uk
Please remember - CCMF is run by a volunteer committee!
We respond to queries as quickly as possible but sometimes this may take a few days as we all have jobs/families/busy lives
Thank you
Online Entry
Q I want to enter the Festival, but I haven't decided what piece(s) I'm going to play yet - what shall I do?
A You can just register on the system for now (there is no commitment to enter if you register), then come back at a later date to fill in the entry form once you've decided what you're going to perform. Entry is open until 31 January 2026 (although please be aware that some classes will fill up more quickly than others). See below re changing the details of a piece
Q The RunMyFestival online booking system requires me to enter a school, but I'm an adult. What should I do?
A Simply put N/A in that box
Q I have additional needs - how do I inform you about this before the festival?
A There is a box to fill in during the online entry process; however it would also be helpful to email us (contact@ccmf.uk) to ensure we know your needs
Q Can I play the same piece in two different classes?
A No, our festival information (4.1) states that no piece may be played in more than one class
Q Once I have entered the details of my piece to perform, can I change to another?
A You can amend your entry details, but only up until 31 January 2026 when online entry closes. Amendments to entries after this date are not possible. Please ensure any different pieces still fit the criteria of the class (timing/grade)
Q I amended my entry - should I expect an email confirmation of this?
A No. If you have changed something simple (name of piece, spelling of surname, for example) then confirmation isn't needed. If you need to change your class/pay a different entry fee or anything a bit more complicated, please get in touch at contact@ccmf.uk and we will help you.
Q I've paid my entry fee by PayPal but haven't received an email confirmation - should I worry?
A Don't worry - please email us (contact@ccmf.uk) and we will check that it's gone through
Q Do I need to use a reference number if paying by BACS?
A YES PLEASE! Use your CCMFXXXXX reference number as this helps us to correlate payments with entries
Q I've paid my entry fee by BACS but haven't received an email confirmation - should I worry?
A BACS payments don't have an automatic confirmation (unlike PayPal, which does). Don't worry - once you have received your entry confirmation email, then you are entered. We will follow up any issues with BACS payments.
Accompanists
Q I can't provide my own accompanist, what shall I do?
A CCMF will provide a list of affiliated accompanists with the timetable confirmation email in February. It is entrants’ responsibility to contact an affiliated accompanist who will negotiate fees and rehearsal times. This arrangement is to be made between the entrant and accompanist and does not involve CCMF (see 1.1 of our festival information)
At the Festival
Q Is there a dress code for the festival?
A No - wear whatever you feel comfortable to perform in
Q I'm an entrant - can I go and watch my friend perform in their class before/after mine?
A Yes, absolutely, as long as there is space in the performance venue
Q Is there somewhere for me to warm up on my instrument before performing in the festival?
A We have only limited space and time for a few minutes of warming up; please come as prepared as you can and make sure you have rehearsed with your accompanist before the day
Q Is there food and drink available to purchase at either of the venues?
A No. If you are coming to Pembroke there are many cafes and restaurants nearby in Cambridge City Centre. If you are coming to Cambridgeshire Music in Histon, you could bring something of your own to eat, or there are cafes/shops nearby in the village centre. See our Venue Information Page for more info. We would however encourage all participants to bring a reusable water bottle to the festival
Q Can I park at either of the venues?
A At Cambridgeshire Music, yes. At Pembroke, no. Please see our Venue Information Page for more info
Q Is there disabled access?
A At Cambridgeshire Music and the Main Auditorium at Pembroke, yes. Our additional performance space at Pembroke is upstairs but there is a lift. Do please email us (contact@ccmf.uk) if you'd like to check anything
Q Can my friends and family come and watch me perform? Does it cost money to get in?
A YES, please bring your supporters! Participants can of course come in free; we encourage supporters to purchase a festival programme for £5 which will enable them to attend any classes (subject to space) during the festival
Q Is anyone allowed to watch the festival?
A Yes, CCMF is a festival open to all and we welcome supporters of our endeavour to promote live music performance. Programmes are available to purchase for £5 on the door
Q What do I need to bring on the day?
A We will send a reminder in February with your timetable but here's an idea: Your instrument in a named case; Any necessary props (cello spike holder etc.); Your music, named (a legally purchased copy); Music for your accompanist if necessary; A copy of the music for the adjudicator (photocopies are acceptable here and will be retained and destroyed after the class); Cash or card to buy your programme (£5)
Q Is there somewhere to leave my belongings while my class is happening?
A Yes, you will be able to leave your instrument case etc in a designated area where there will be volunteers present to keep an eye on it
General
Q How can I volunteer to help?
A Hurray! Thank you, we are always grateful for volunteers. Please email contact@ccmf.uk and we will be in touch to organise how you can help
Q Are there trophies/awards at CCMF?
A Yes - these will be presented by Meurig Bowen of the Britten Sinfonia at the Celebration Concert on Wednesday 22 April 2026
Q Celebration Concert on 22 April- when will you let participants know if they are invited to perform in this?
A As soon as possible, hopefully within two weeks, of the festival ending
Q Can I participate in the Cambridge Community Music Festival if I'm not from Cambridge?
A Yes, the CCMF Charity Objects state that our activities are to be 'particularly in, but not restricted to, Cambridge'. Most participants are from Cambridgeshire and the surrounding counties
