Band Applications

1. Eligibility

Gorey Battle of the Bands is open to bands with at least one member aged 13–19 at the time of the event. All information provided in the application must be accurate and complete.

2. Selection & Participation

• Submitting an application does not guarantee a performance slot.
• A panel of judges will review applications and select the bands who will perform at the event.
• The organisers are not part of the band selection process.
• All selected bands will be contacted directly.
• The organisers reserve the right to determine the final running order and set times.

3. Performance & Equipment

• Bands must bring their own instruments.
• A shared backline will be provided, including drum kit, microphones and amplifiers.
• Bands are fully responsible for their own instruments and equipment at all times.
• Gorey Battle of the Bands and its organisers accept no responsibility for the loss, theft or damage of any instruments or equipment brought to the venue.
• Bands are responsible for the safe handling of their own instruments and personal equipment.
• Any damage caused to venue equipment or supplied backline by a band or its members may be charged to the band.

4. Safeguarding & Supervision

• Artists under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the event night.
• Each band must nominate at least one parent or guardian to be present on site for the full duration of the event.
• Overall supervision must meet the venue’s minimum adult-to-child ratio.
• Parents or guardians remain responsible for their own child at all times.
• Event organisers provide safeguarding support but do not assume parental responsibility.

5. Behaviour & Conduct

• All participants are expected to behave respectfully towards other performers, judges, volunteers and venue staff.
• The organisers reserve the right to remove any participant whose behaviour is unsafe, inappropriate or disruptive.

6. Recording, Photography & Media

The event may be photographed, filmed or recorded for promotional and archival purposes. By taking part, bands and participants agree that images or recordings may be used by the organisers for non-commercial promotional purposes.

7. Scheduling & Changes

• Bands must arrive at the venue at the time specified by the organisers and be available for soundcheck.
• The organisers reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the schedule, running order or event format if required.

8. Prizes

• Prizes are awarded at the discretion of the judging panel and according to the published judging process.
• An Audience Choice Prize is awarded separately and does not influence the judges’ decisions.

9. Cancellation or Withdrawal

• If a band is no longer able to take part, the organisers must be notified as soon as possible.
• The organisers reserve the right to withdraw an offer of participation if information provided is found to be inaccurate.

10. Data Protection

Personal information provided will be used solely for the purposes of administering the event and communicating with participants.

11. Applications & Submission

• Applications must be submitted via the official application process as published by Gorey Battle of the Bands.
• Applications received after the published closing date will not be considered.
• Gorey Battle of the Bands is not responsible for applications that are incomplete, inaccessible (for example, broken links) or not successfully received.
• Applicants may submit an updated application at any time before the published closing date. Where more than one application is received from the same band, only the most recent submission will be considered.

12. Multiple Band Participation

Individual musicians may apply as part of more than one band. If a musician is selected to perform in more than one band, the organisers reserve the right to adjust the running order or, where necessary, limit participation to ensure the event schedule can be delivered safely and fairly. The final decision regarding performance scheduling rests with the organisers.

13. Submission Materials (Songs & Recordings)

• Bands may submit up to five (5) songs as part of their application.
• At least one submitted song must be a live video performance by the band.
• Live video recordings from rehearsal rooms are acceptable.
• Additional recordings may be informal recordings, including voice notes, provided they clearly represent the band’s performance.

14. Judging Process

• A panel of independent judges will assess all performances.
• All eligible entries will be compiled by the organisers and submitted to the judging panel for review.
• Bands will be judged using the same published criteria, which may include: musical ability and performance; originality and creativity; and stage presence.
• Each judge will score independently.
• The organisers are not involved in judging decisions.
• An Audience Choice Prize will be awarded separately and does not influence the judges’ results.
• The judges’ decisions are final.