British Flute Society Competitions 2027: Flute Soloists and Ensembles Apply by 30 November
The British Flute Society (BFS) is accepting entries for its 2027 competitions at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on Sunday 21 February 2027. The closing date is Monday 30 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. GMT. There are opportunities for solo players at several stages of development and for flute ensembles of three to ten players. It is important to budget for both the category entry charge and compulsory BFS membership: this is a paid-entry performance competition, not a free open call.
Four categories with different age and audition formats
School Performer is open to musicians aged 13 and under on 31 August 2027, with a maximum playing time of six minutes. Young Performer covers ages 14–18 on that date and allows seven minutes. Young Artist is for ages 19–24 with an eight-minute limit. The Flute Ensemble category is for groups of three to ten players and also has an eight-minute limit. Time allowances include breaks between works or movements, so repertoire should be rehearsed to the exact competition length.
The Young Performer and Young Artist competitions use a first-round video submission, after which shortlisted entrants are invited to the live final on 21 February. School Performer and Flute Ensemble spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with waiting lists once filled. Thus, someone entering a category without video preselection should not assume that completing the form shortly before the November closing date guarantees a place.
Repertoire freedom and accompaniment
Entrants have free choice of repertoire and are encouraged to consider a wide range of composers, including those under-represented in flute performance. Accompanied and unaccompanied music is possible. The BFS can provide an official accompanist for an additional £30, which includes a short rehearsal on the day. Competitors using their own accompanist should check the guidance document for any relevant requirements before submitting.
Fees, BFS membership and the earlier support deadline
All competitors must be BFS members both when entering and on competition day. Individual membership is listed from £25 to £40. The solo categories each have a £50 entry fee; the ensemble competition costs £70 per ensemble. These amounts are distinct from the optional £30 official accompanist fee. Members participating in the adult players' workshop have further fees listed on the organizer's page.
An important earlier date is Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. GMT, the cutoff for the Sponsor a Player financial-assistance scheme. Applicants for assistance must email competitions@bfs.org.uk with a short explanation of need and a reference from their current teacher. The BFS expects to communicate the result by 15 November and advises aid applicants to wait for that response before making a competition entry. This means that entrants needing support should not treat 30 November as their only deadline.
Prizes: £2,000 for the Young Artist winner
The first-prize William Bennett Awards are £500 for School Performer, £1,000 for Young Performer and £2,000 for Young Artist. The Young Artist winner is also offered a festival masterclass. The Flute Ensemble category awards a £350 first prize. An Atarah’s Legacy Fund Memorial Prize, worth up to £500, supports the musical education of an entrant showing merit, integrity and potential; interested players can apply through the form sent after competition entry. Additional category prizes and eligibility details appear in the full rules.
What to check before applying
The live event requires attendance in Birmingham, and entrants must observe the selected audition format and category age boundaries. The organizer expects performers under 18 to be accompanied by an adult. Applicants should download the BFS guidance document, check video requirements where applicable, decide on accompaniment, and confirm whether their current membership will remain valid on 21 February 2027. The BFS page does not impose a blanket UK-residence requirement for every category; do not assume that all applicants must be UK nationals.
Official information and entry
Information checked 18 October 2026. The organizer's guidance document and application form govern all participation requirements and may be updated.