28 June - 8 July 2018
  Sunny beach resort, St. Vlas and Pomorie

Director:  Kaloyan Nikolov

Organizers

Euro Folk Academy, Event Vacation,
European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF,
Within the framework of Musical Feasts "Euro Folk".

 

With the support of:

UNESCOIOV-WORLDCID-UNESCO

Municipality of Nessebar

 

The marks of the participants appeared in the competition program of the European Championship of Folklore "Euro Folk 2018" are valid for ranking in the World ranking list of folklore.

Last year, in IX European Championship of Folklore „Euro folk 2017” participate more than 70 collectives and individual performers.

Basic Information

The European Championship of Folklore "Euro Folk 2018” is held within the scope of Musical Feasts “Euro Folk” – The World is television. Musical Feasts are held in different European cities and countries during the whole year 2018.

Musical Feasts “Euro Folk” comprise forthy five (45) musical festivals, held under the aegis of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - ЕАFF. Main event of Musical Feasts “Euro Folk” is No 1 Festival in Europe for the traditional folklore arts – Stara Planina Fest “Balkan Folk” in Bulgaria. Every year from 9 000 to 15 000 musicians, singers and dancers take part in it.

Typical feature of Musical Feasts “Euro Folk” is that all of the performances are recorded with professional audio and television technics and the best of them are repeatedly broadcasted by more than 20 cable televisions in Bulgaria and 4 satellite televisions covering Europe, as well as by the World Wide Internet television "EuroFolkTV" at tv.eurofolk.com  All this activities realize the main purpose of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - ЕАFF - to popularize the traditional folk arts through the enormous possibilities of mass media.

The concerts of the European Championship of Folklore “Euro Folk 2018” are broadcasted live on the World Wide Internet Television „EuroFolkTV”tv.eurofolk.com

Nessebar: Ancient city of Nessebar is in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Nessebar is one of the oldest towns in Europe, established before more than 3200 years. According to data, the legendary author of fables Aesop was born in Mesambria / Nessebar / around 620 BC. In the ancient part of the town there are 42 churches, built from IV till XVII centuries. 

The isthmus connecting the old with the new part is 400 m long. In the middle of the isthmus is the old mill of the town, which currently is a tourist attraction. 

After the Constantinople has fallen, descendants of the Byzantine emperors of dynasties and Kantakuzin and Paleologos are living here on these lands so far.

Tourist resort of Sunny beach: On the territory of Sunny Beach resort are located more than 200 3***, 4**** and 5***** hotels, and more than 100 amusement facilities, including the largest aquapark in the Balkans - "Action Aquapark". The complex is similiar to Las Vegas with its noisy discos and casinos. This is the most visited destination that attracts many tourists from all over the Europe.

Sunny beach is the first Bulgarian resort certified with the "Blue Flag" еco prize. Average monthly temperature in the high tourist season is 25-26 degrees.

Sveti Vlas: 10 km away from historical Nessebar. The settlement was founded in the 2nd century by the ancient Thracians. Then it bore the name Larissa, in the 14th century took the name of St. Vlas - patron of traders, farmer and healer. St. Vlas is a revered saint of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. In 2007, the biggest marina in Bulgaria was constructed in Sveti Vlas. The marina has a capacity for 300 yachts. The beach of Sveti Vlas is facing south. The sand is fine and golden.

Pomorie: Pomorie is the third largest town on the Bulgarian Black sea coast. One of the most interesting cultural sites is the Ancient domed tomb from 2nd - 4th century. Medieval name of the town is Anhealo. The Salt Museum is the only one in Eastern Europe. It was opened in September 2002 and is dedicated to one of the oldest livelihoods in the region of Pomorie - salt production. Visitors have the opportunity to see how all processes run and to experience the traditions of the locals

Preliminary Program

June 28 - Welcoming the groups
June 29 - Competition - Official opening - Stage "Arena Theater" - Sveti Vlas
June 30 - Competition - Stage "Prosveta 1888" Community center - Pomorie
July 01 - Competition - Stage "Svetlina" Community center - Pomorie
July 02 - Free day excursions, Master Class
July 03 - Free day excursions, Master Class
July 04 - Free day excursions, Master Class
July 05 -  Competition - Stage "Svetlina" Community center - Pomorie
July 06 - Competition - Stage "Theater Arena" - Sveti Vlas
July 07 - Competition - Stage "Theater Arena" - Sveti Vlas - Awarding ceremony and announcement of winners and official closing gala concert of winners.
July 08 - Departure of participants
 
The organizers reserve the right to change the program of the Championship.
 

Regulations

Main task of the organizers is to ensure the creative groups an access to the stage, to gather them in a concourse programme aimed at defining the best ones and to popularize the award winners of the fest by broadcasting their art in Bulgaria and the European TV air.

To enter the contest the participants must be accredited, which is realized under the following conditions:

  • Those who wish to take part in the Festival must fill-in application form.
  • The collectives, who apply for participation, must have obtained prestigious awards from other festivals; the awards should be notified in the application form.
  • All participants are to make their own travel arrangements to and from Varna and stages and pay their travel expenses. The Organizing Commitiee provides accomodation and cultural program (excursions) by agreement with the participants.
  • A group delegation can include artists and their accompanying party. The number of artists and accopanying people is not limited.
  • During the participation of the team in the Championship, it may be invited by the organizers to take part in joint events – Official opening, Official closing, defile, accompanying concerts, cocktail, master class, or others. The presence of invited teams in various events is required.
  • The application forms should be filled in.
  • The participants pay the specified prices for participation in the European Championship of Folklore "Euro Folk”. The advanced payment is 20% from the total amount for the participation of the group. It is payable after approval of participation. That condition is in order to booking in the active resort season.
  • Send by post, to the address of EAFF or with attachment to email, demos of at two performances, or link to a video posted on YouTube or other social site for video sharing. The application to be added annotation of the participant and promotional materials - photos. The photo should not be less than 1 MB. Sent materials will not be returned.
  • Individual performers and duets pays and participation fee 50 Euro.
  • The price includes staying the night, breakfast, dinner and organizational services.

Regulations of the contest

The contest system includes the following categories:

A) Folklore songs groups, authentic folklore (choirs and ensembles)
B) Folklore songs groups, modern arrangement of folklore music; - (choirs and ensembles)
C) Folklore dances groups, authentic folklore; (folklore dance groups, ensembles)
D) Folklore dances groups; modern choreography (folklore dance groups, ensembles)
E) Folklore mix ensembles -  Authentic performances; (live vocal, instrumental and dance)
F) Folklore mix ensembles -  Processed performances; (live vocal, instrumental and dance)
G) Folklore Instrumental groups; folklore music (ensembles and orchestras)
H) Folklore customs groups ; replica (folklore groups, ensembles)
 I) Group for old urban songs; (folklore groups, ensembles)

*i  individual performers and duets by all categories exept E,F,H;
*1  by all categories there is also ranking of children and young people up to 18 years. /in children's and youth groups can participate up to 30% of participants from different age /
*2  by all categories there is ranking adults people up 18 years.

Formations that can take part in the competition program:

• folklore ensembles, song and dance groups;
• choirs;
• clubs for folk dances;
• groups for old urban songs;
• brass bands and folk orchestras;
• individual performers and duets;
 
The jury consists of three members. In jury committee may participate only members authorized by EAFF.
 

The jury evaluates by the following 3 criteria:
   1. Level of complexity and technique of performance
   2. Vision /costumes, properties, staging, selection of repertoire/
   3. Stage manners /behavior on stage, gestures, contact with the audience, spirit emanation, artistry/

The program duration of the separate groups / participants should not exceed:

  • Songs - up to 10 minutes
  • Dances - up to 10 minutes
  • Ensemble performances – up to 15 minutes

The jury is entitled to reduce the overall assessment for non-compliance of regulations.

Awards

The winner of the Grand Prize of European Champion of Folklore "Euro Folk 2018" - Grand Prix "Orpheus", a Gold medal and a Diploma for Absolute European Champion of Folklore for 2018 receives also a cash prize of 1,000 Euro.
  • At the discretion of the jury Nomination "Orpheus" is awarded, which gives the right for participation in the ranking for the Grand Prix "Orpheus".
  • The champions are awarded gold medals, while second and third place - silver and bronze medals. Winners receive certificates for laureates and a diploma for European Champion of folklore for 2018 in the relevant category.
  • In the separate categories may be given additional gold, silver and bronze medals with the relevant diplomas.
  • Jury awards the top performers with a recommendation for participation in World Championship of Folklore.
  • All participants receive diplomas and object - prizes.
  • Special Jury Prizes for Authentic costume, Stage costume, Modern processing, Musical accompaniment, Artistic behavior, Soloist and others. The awards are announced at a ceremony during the European Championship of Folklore "Euro Folk".
  • At the discretion of the jury and the producers Euro Folk Academy the prominent art leaders are honored with a Diploma for obtaining the rank Maestro or Maestro Academic. Diplomas are sent to Ministry of Culture of the relevant country or the Mayors of municipalities with a request for handing in appropriate way.
Points valid for World ranking list of folklore.
 
Championship
Odds
Points for participation
Points by Category
First round
Points by  Grand Prix
 Second round
Continental
Europa
4
20
  1. 200
  2. 100
  3.   60
  1. 400
  2. 200
  3. 140
Next:  - 8 p.
Registration of the Participants
The prices for the staying, including the necessary service, are as follows:
 
REGISTRATION FEE (for participants and accompanying persons)
  5 days - 175 Euro per person
10 days - 320 Euro per person
In a group of 25 people - 1 person for free

 

The BASIC PACKAGES for 5 days / 10 days include:

  • 5 / 10 nights in a 3/4, 4/4 rooms, accommodation in 3 or 4-bed or /2+2/ rooms, private bathroom with a shower and hot water 
  • 5 / 10 breakfasts – Swedish table
  • 5 / 10 lunch or dinners – Swedish table
  • Organizing taxes, Acrediting taxes one category
  • TV broadcast, records, stage, audio eqipment

The participation fee NOT includes:

  • Supplement for double room – 5 euro per day per person.
  • Supplement for single room – 15 euro per day per person.
  • NOT INCLUDED: Travel - Personal expenses - Facultative tours (tour of Burgas, Varna, Nessebar, Sozopol, Ropotamo river, Kazanlak, Shipka, Veliko Tarnovo)
  • Inner Transport, insurance
  • Transport from Airports:  /Burgas, - 35 km., Varna - 110 km., Sofia - 410 km., Istanbul - 390 km.
  • What is not specified in the above mentioned “the fee includes”.

Accomodation in Hotels: Goverment base "Sunny Beach" and others

For example for a group, consisting of 26 people for staying in a hotel with spending the night, breakfast and dinner,

  • for 5 days the amount is being calculated in the following way: 25 (+1 person for free) х 175 EURO = 4350 EURO. The booking advanced payment equals 4350 х 0,2 = 875 EURO.

  • for 10 days the amount is being calculated in the following way: 25 (+1 person for free) х 320 EURO = 8000 EURO. The booking advanced payment equals 8000 х 0,2 = 1600 EURO.

This amount must be transferred via the mentioned bank account. The discounts shall be rendered at the final paying off.

The registration is made on the basis of an application form for participation by the collective. After confirming the application form, an advanced payment should be made.

Against payment participants can order full recordings of their performances on DVD. These products have the right to be broadcast in the relevant country.

The minimum term for participation is 5 days.

The registration of the participants at their arrival is going to be made at hotel Goverment base "Sunny Beach"  /  Sea Grace*** , "Sunny Beach", Bulgaria.

General Conditions

The sender covers all bank fees.
Participants do not get paid for their performance.
All filled  applications will mean acceptance of the terms laid by the present regulation.
 
Unambiguous text: Uponapproved participation in the Championship, the collectives or organizations representing them give the Organizer the right performances to be recorded on audio and video, shaped in a program presenting the festival and broadcast on a TV channel or otherwise, for which a contract is signed.
 
Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form.
Approved groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.
Next payment 20% for booking of accommodation.
Rest of the sum 70% - 15 days before start of festival, or on registration with the permission of organizers.