Fee

There is no entry fee on the day.  However, as the event is organised by a charity, we warmly welcome any donations to support our work.

Dress code

Band members should wear uniform specified by their school for the Championships.

Important: If your shoes have metal pieces on the sole or heel, please cover them with jaffa tape to protect the flooring.  Jaffa tape will be available at Reception.

Arrival and departure

• On arrival, each band must register attendance at Reception.
• On departure, each band must also check out at Reception.

Stewarding

Each school will be assigned a steward on arrival.  The steward will:

• Meet the band’s pipe major/instructor/adult supervisor at Reception.
• Escort the band to their allocated classroom, explain fire drills, and highlight important information.
• Show the band (or a representative) the facilities available.
• Ensure all band members complete the band sheets (name, school, age, gender, piper or drummer)
• Explain the programme for the day, playing times, and competition hall locations.
• Accompany the band to the competition hall in good time for each performance.
• Oversee final departure at the end of the day.

Changing Facilities

• Each school will be allocated a classroom to use for the day.
• There are no separate changing rooms for girls and boys.

Classrooms

• A responsible adult must be nominated by each band to supervise their classroom.   A supervising adult (parent or teacher) must be present at all times.
• Before departure, the responsible adult must inform Reception and wait for a member of the organising committee to inspect and authorise the classroom.
• Classrooms must be kept neat and tidy.  Do not move or tamper with school furniture or equipment.
• Strictly prohibited in classrooms: smoking, alcohol, food, soft drinks, and aerosols.
• Stewards will provide rubbish bags to assist with the tidy-up.
• Any damage caused will be charged to the visiting band/school.

Bands & Quartets – Entering and Leaving the Hall

• This is an indoor competition.  Bands and quartets are not required to march in or out of the hall.
• However, all groups should enter and leave in an organised manner – first impressions are important.

Prize giving

Recognising that some schools will have a long return journey, and therefore may be unable to attend prize-giving at the end of the championships, such schools are asked to:

• Nominate a representative to collect any prize.
• Provide your steward with a forwarding school contact name and address.

Publication of results

Winners are announced on the day and posted on the Championships website.

Catering

• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be available from the school cafeteria
• No alcohol is permitted on site
• Gluten-free and vegan options will be available
• .View the menu and prices for the cafeteria here – Championships Menu

Lost property

• During the event, hand in and reclaim lost property at Reception.
• After the Championships, please contact: info@sspdt.org.uk

Health & safety

The Health and Safety plan for 2026 is available here: SSPBC Safety Management Plan 2025

Publicity

Members of the press and TV will be present.

• If any player does not wish their image to be used in press or TV coverage, please complete, sign, and return the consent form in advance.