Bansko ’26

Individual performers, community centres, schools, studios, clubs, academies and creative groups. Each competition performance is entered through the online application.

Upload the final music file for each performance by 15 November. State the full stage duration. Theatre productions may last up to 40 minutes and recitals up to 5 minutes. The organiser confirms specific limits for other disciplines.

2–3 December: theatre and music. 4–5 December: dance. 6 December from 10:00: the Grand Prix Nomination competition and awards. The detailed competition programme is published after applications are processed.

Judging is closed. The competition programme and score sheets show the start number and performance title. Organisers may adjust the programme when necessary.

Standard fees apply to participants staying through the organisers. Without accommodation through the organisers: solo / duet / trio — EUR 80 per person; small group / formation — EUR 60 per person. An additional solo / duet / trio entry in another style costs EUR 10 per performance. Accompanying guests pay a EUR 10 charitable contribution. The team confirms the conditions applicable to your application.

Accommodation is arranged through the festival team. Hotels in Bansko offer participant rates. Indicate the places you need in the application; the team will confirm availability and price.

**“GRAND PRIX” – €600.** **“Gold Winner” – MUSIC CATEGORY:** A voucher for free accommodation for 5 people during the “Morning Star” International Festival of Arts in Bansko 2027, worth €990. **“Gold Winner” – THEATRE CATEGORY:** A voucher for free accommodation for 5 people during the “Morning Star” International Festival of Arts in Bansko 2027, worth €990. **“Gold Winner” – DANCE ARTS CATEGORY:** A voucher for free accommodation for 5 people during the “Morning Star” International Festival of Arts in Bansko 2027, worth €990. **SPECIAL AWARDS:** Vouchers for participation in the “Morning Star” International Festival of Arts 2027.

The **GRAND PRIX competition** will consist of two stages: **1. Grand Prix Nomination** Only ensembles and groups selected by the jury members based on their performances during the festival days will participate in the Grand Prix Nomination. Each nominee will present one performance to the audience. After all performances, the jury will select the **TOP 3** finalists. **2. Voting** The audience will vote for the TOP 3 finalists via an Instagram poll on the **morningstar.artfest** profile. At the same time, each jury member will cast their vote. Voting will close simultaneously for everyone, and points will be awarded according to the following system: **Audience votes:** - 1st place – 6 points - 2nd place – 4 points - 3rd place – 2 points **Jury votes:** - 1 point per jury member's vote. The ensemble that receives the highest total number of points after the final scores have been calculated will win the **GRAND PRIX**.

## Festival Fee Details - A participant competing in the **Solo/Duet/Trio format in the Dance Arts category**, who has paid a €35 participation fee and wishes to compete in an additional style, must pay an additional €10 per performance. - The participation fee allows group performers to compete in all styles within **ONE category**, provided that the overall performance time limit is observed. - A performer who has paid a €30 festival fee for group performances and wishes to participate in the **Solo/Duet/Trio format** must pay an additional €10 per performance. - Festival fees are waived for ensemble leaders, assistant leaders, drivers, and medical personnel. - Accompanying persons are required to make a **€10 charitable contribution**.