Each year we run a friendly harp festival designed to be a great way to gain experience of performing and competitive playing.
During the pandemic we held our festival online and were thrilled with the amazing music sent in. Since then we have kept the festival virtual in order for students around the world to take part! We have opportunities to take part for all ages and abilities. Anyone from anywhere around the world can apply. 
The videos are then be released (Unlisted) on Youtube on the first weekend in march each year. You can view all the entries on our website!
The results of the competition are released on the same day.
All applicants receive: A competition participation certificate(via email) and feedback sheet.  Winners receive prizes donated by our sponsors of each year. 

HARP COMPETITION 2026

Apply from: 1st JANUARY 2026
Application Deadline - 31st JANUARY 2026, MIDNIGHT
Results Day: Saturday 7th March 2026

Fledgling Harpists
Beginner Harpists (Grades 0 - 2 approx)
All ages and abilities welcome.
Prize: £25 Voucher to spend at Saltire Harp Centre.

Budding Harpists
Intermediate Harpists (Grades 3 - 5 approx)
All ages and abilities welcome.
Prize: TBC

Flying Harpists
Upper Intermediate - Early Advanced Harpists (Grades 6 - 7 approx)
All ages and abilities welcome.
Prize: TBC

Soaring Harpists
Advanced Harpists (Grade 8 and above)
All ages and abilities welcome.
Prize: TBC

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How to enter the festival:

1. Choose a catagory
2. Record a video
- each video should be recorded horizontally (see right)
- There should be only one piece performed in each video submitted
- please check each class for their time limits. 
- each video should have at least head and hands in the video. Ideally the entire harp where possible
- ensure the background where possible is plain.
- announce your piece and name before you start as you would playing a performance. 
- (helpful hints! make sure you tune your harp and damp at the end! :))

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Terms and Conditions: 
​By entering the competition you understand that your video will be displayed as Unlisted on the PoppyHarp Youtube Channel this video will be viewable on the PoppyHarp 2026 competition page indefinitely. Your video will be available to view on this page on Saturday 7th March 2026. You can have your video removed from our channel at any point by emailing [email protected] 
If you are under the age of 18 you must get a parent or carer to submit your application for you. 
The £10 submission fee goes towards paying our adjudicator and as an admin fee.
This fee is for one video entry only. If you submit 2 videos you must submit 2 entry frees = £20. 
Please ensure you only submit one piece per video. 

3. WeTransfer your video to us https://wetransfer.com ([email protected])
OR WhatsApp your video to +447713907808. 
4. Pay the £10 submission fee per video. Please add to the notes the first name of the applicant and the title and composer of the piece.
​By paying the entry fee you are consenting to our Terms and Conditions.

​5. You will receive a confirmation of payment. We will then be in contact to confirm your submission by February 4th 2025
6. Good luck!!!!

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