UK Aerial Performance Championships 2025

www.ukaerialperformance.co.uk

Please Note: If you are participating in the doubles section please complete an entry form per person.

This section only needs completing by instructors, new performers and professional competitors.

Can all competitors please complete the following:

Please Read and Sign -If under the age of 18 this must be signed by a parent or guardian.

I have read and understand the terms and conditions, entry and judging criteria, and by submission of this form wish to be entered in the events listed above. I grant permission for the image submitted above to be used for promotional purposes of my performance in the UK Aerial Performance Championship 2025. I hereby, for myself, my heirs and my executors, waive and release any and all rights and claims I may have for damages against UK Aerial Performance and/or their sponsors, agents or representatives for any injuries which may be suffered or damages/loss of property by attending, participating in or travelling to or from said competition by submission of this form. Participation or attendance constitutes authorisation to use and reproduce any and all photographs, negatives or positives, proofs and prints taken during the event.

* The following categories will be included in the 2025 UK Aerial Performance championships and all criteria is detailed in the 'Entry Criteria’ section within our entry forms.

Junior Lyra (6-10 years)

Junior Silks (6-10 years)

Junior Open (6-10 years)

Emerging Youth Lyra (11-16 years)

Emerging Youth Silks (11-16 years)

Emerging Youth Open (11-16 years)

Experienced Youth Lyra (11-16 years)

Experienced Youth Silks (11-16 years)

Experienced Youth Open (11-16 years)

Amateur Lyra (17+ years)

Amateur Silks (17+ years)

Amateur Open (17+ years)

Instructor Lyra

Instructor Silks

Instructor Open

Professional Lyra

Professional Silks

Professional Open

Youth Doubles (6-16 years)

Adult Doubles (17 Years and Over) If a doubles act is comprised of one adult and one child, they should enter the adult doubles category.

* Entry to the UK Aerial Performance Championships is via regional event participation.

* Please ensure you check the facebook event page of your chosen regional event as some venues have some additional restrictions and rules.

* International and Professional competitors may enter via video submission for consideration for the final only. Video submissions are not eligible for regional event titles. If international or professional competitors place in the top 3 of their category they will need to attend the final at Russells International Circus on Saturday 23rd August 2025.

* Competitors are responsible for all costs incurred in attending the regional events and to compete in the final if placed in the top 3 of their category. Transport, accommodation costs and all living expenses while attending the events will NOT be reimbursed by UK Aerial Performance Championships, its sponsors or representatives for any reason.

* Competitors’ eligibility for their chosen category will be checked so please ensure you have read and understood the entry criteria for your category. If you are unsure, please email info@ukaerialperformance.co.uk, since if you are found to be ineligible for the selected category, you will be disqualified.

* If your eligibility for a particular category changes prior to the regional event, please notify us ASAP and we may be able to move you into an alternative category.

* If your eligibility changes between participating in the regional event and finalists being announced then please notify us ASAP and we may be able to have your performance re-judged in an alternative category.

* If your eligibility for a particular category changes after finalists have been announced, your competition entry will be forfeited.

* Participants are only permitted to enter a category once throughout the whole competition, however are permitted to enter multiple categories providing they meet the eligibility criteria.

* Participants are permitted to use their own equipment. All equipment will be safety checked prior to the start of the competition. If you are providing your own equipment, you must also provide all carabineers, swivels and strops to attach it to the single point. UK Aerial Performance Championship can only provide a 95cm tabless hoop, Firetoys Silks (8m) and a 65cm Trapeze with 2m ropes.

* Participants will not be permitted to use equipment that is not deemed safe or correctly rigged.

* Silks must be mounted on a silks hook or a figure 8.

* A separate entry form is required for each category entered.

* Entry to the competition will open on Monday 6th January 2025 at 9am. Once we receive an entry form, we will confirm if a space is available and provide details on how to pay. Once the entry fee has been received, your place will be guaranteed. If payment is not made within 48 hours, the place will be re-opened.

 * Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

 * Payment details will be sent in your confirmation email.

 * Competitors must not be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol during the events.

* Competitors must be fit to perform and must warm up prior to their performance.

 * The organisers reserve the right to disqualify any participant they believe to be acting in an unprofessional manner or to have breached these terms and conditions.

 * All entries must stick to the time limits outlined in the entry criteria for their category. A 15 second buffer will be given to these times, however if your performance is more than 15 seconds outside the permitted time limits, you will be disqualified.

 * Please ensure music is cut to the correct length for your performance.

 * Competitors’ music must be sent to music@ukaerialperformance.co.uk at least 1 week prior to your regional event performance, and, if you place in the final, before 1st August 2025. If we do not receive your music by this time, you may be disqualified from competing.

 * All spectator tickets are sold directly by the hosting venues and NOT UK Aerial Performance Championship. This is for both the final and regional events. It is the competitors responsibility to monitor social media event pages for updates on ticket availability and liase with the hosting venue.

 * Profanities will not be permitted within your music choice. Nor will excessive vulgarity or other offensive material.

 * Any props, glitter or any other substance must be pre-approved by both the competition organisers and the venue owners, so please notify us ASAP if you intend to use anything in your act.

 * Any participant under the age of 18 must use a mat. A variety of mats will be available at the final but if you require a specific thickness, then you will need to bring your own.

 * Marks will not be deducted for the use of a mat by any participant and we strongly advise all participants to use one. However marks may be deducted if we feel the performance is not safely executed; this includes a competitor not using a mat appropriate for the height and tricks they are performing.

 * Judges are permitted to stop your performance at any time if they consider it unsafe, inappropriate or offensive in any way.

 * By participating in the UK Aerial Performance Championships you are declaring you are aware of the risks involved in aerial activities and are responsible at all times for your own safety.

 * If you have any concerns or questions please email us at info@ukaerialperformance.co.uk or call on 07919133355 before the event, as we may be unable to find solutions to any problems that we find out about on the day.

 * Judges’ decisions are final and will not be negotiated. However, if you have any questions surrounding your score/feedback then please contact us at info@ukaerialperformance.co.uk

 * Finalists will be announced during the week commencing 2nd June 2025.

 * The final will take place on Saturday 23rd August 2025 at Russells International Circus, Mablethorpe. The UK Aerial Performance Championship 2024 final will be run as two separate competitions.

 * The UK Aerial Performance Youth Championships Final will take place at 11am and consist of the top 3 competitors from our 2025 regional events and video submissions alongside any returning winners from 2024 in the following categories: Junior Lyra (6-10 years), Junior Silks (6-10 years), Junior Open (6-10 years), Emerging Youth Lyra (11-16 years), Emerging Youth Silks (11-16 years), Emerging Youth Open (11-16 years), Experienced Youth Lyra (11-16 years), Experienced Youth Silks (11-16 years), Experienced Youth Open (11-16 years), Youth Doubles (6-17years years). 

 * The UK Aerial Performance Adult Championships Final will take place at 4pm and consist of the top 3 competitors from our 2025 regional events and video submissions alongside any returning winners from 2024 in the following categories: Amateur Lyra, Amateur Silks, Amateur Open, Instructor Lyra, Instructor Silks, Instructor Open, Professional Lyra, Professional Silks, Professional Open and Adult Doubles (17+ years).

 * Winners of the Emerging Youth categories at the final will not be able to return the following year to defend their title as they will no longer meet the criteria for those categories. 

 * If the final needs to be cancelled for any reason it will be changed to an online final. We strongly advise that, if you place as a finalist, you prepare a video in case future lockdowns and studio closures are issued.

 * The organisers reserve the right to make any changes to the structure of the regional events and the live finals necessary.

 * All competitors are responsible for checking our social media event pages for updates.

 * Images and videos taken during any event may be used for promotional purposes by UK Aerial Performance Championships and any of their sponsors.

Costume/theme: 10% of overall score.

* Does the costume fit the feel of the performance?

* Is the costume safe/suitable for the apparatus?

* Is the music choice appropriate for the age of the competitor?

* Is the music choice appropriate for a family audience?

* Do any props used have a purpose and add to the performance?

There does NOT need to be an obvious theme or gimmick to score well in this section but the overall feel of the performance should be consistent

Equipment transitioning: 10% of overall score.

* Are mounts and dismounts onto the apparatus controlled and safely performed?

* Are mounts and dismounts part of the performance?

* Are presentation and character maintained during mounts and dismounts?

* Are innovative mounts and dismounts used?

This also includes assessing the transitioning through various levels on the apparatus.

Floorwork: 10% of overall score.

* Floorwork is not compulsory and if no floorwork is present then the score given for choreography will be duplicated and used again in place of the floorwork score. 

* Does the floorwork fit with the performance?

* Are presentation and character maintained away from the apparatus?

* Does the floorwork fit with the music?

* Does the floorwork have purpose and connection to the overall performance?

Tricks - Presentation/fluidity/variety: 10% of overall score.

* Is presentation maintained during transitions and holds?

* Are moves executed smoothly?

* Are transitions part of the performance?

* Are a variety of shapes/moves executed?

* Is full use of the apparatus maximised (i.e. full height of silks, rope work on trapeze or top of the hoop)?

 

Trick - Ability/Complexity: 10% of overall score.

* Are moves executed safely with good body alignment and engagement?

* Is control maintained throughout the performance?

* Are complex tricks executed well?

* Are all moves performed competently?

* Are advanced tricks incorporated in the performance?

Please be aware that you will not score well if you include things you can't execute cleanly and safely, even if they are really advanced moves! 

Performance

Choreography: 10% of overall score.

* Is the performance interesting?

* Are innovative combinations used?

* Do all movements have a purpose and add to the performance?

* Is there variation of energy and dynamics?

 

Musicality: 10% of overall score.

* Is the music worked with throughout the performance?

* Are the highs and lows in the music utilised?

* Does the performance connect to the feel of the music?

 

Connection to audience: 10% of overall score.

* Is audience engagement present in the performance?

* Is eye contact present within the performance?

* Are facial expressions representative of the feel of the performance and music?

 

Overall fluidity: 10% of overall score.

* Do all elements of the performance flow together?

* Do the different elements of the performance transition at appropriate times in the music? 

 

Entertainment/overall impressions: 10% of overall score. 

* Does the performance impact the audience?

* Is the performance entertaining?

* Is the performance inside the time limits outlined for the category?

 

* All regional event performances will be judged live. We will have 1 judge that attends all regional events and the score from this judge will make up 50% of your overall score for assessment of placements in the UK Aerial Championship finals. We may have additional guest judges at regional events and their scores will be used when assessing regional event places only and will not be included when assessing placements for the final. All competitors will receive scores and feedback from the regional event live judges. We aim to send this to competitors within 2 weeks of the regional event. Video judges feedback will only be sent out if and when organisers have the time to do it.

* All regional event performances will be recorded and all performance videos will be re-judged by a minimum of two additional judges. All entries within the same category will be judged by the same two video judges. The average score from video judges will make up a total of 50% of your overall score for the assessment of placements in the UK Aerial Performance Championship final. 

* Judges’ decisions are final and will not be negotiated. However if you have any questions surrounding your score/feedback then please contact us at info@ukaerialperformance.co.uk

* Only first place in all categories are announced at all events. If competitors would like to know their overall placement after all events have been completed, they can email info@ukaerialperformance.co.uk to request this.

All junior categories are open to ages 6-10 years only. To take part in these categories the participant must be within the age range on 23rd August 2025. There are no restricted moves in any categories but all junior competitors must use a mat appropriate to the skills and height they are performing. We also advise all junior competitors to have a spotter close by who knows the performance well enough to identify any trouble you may be facing.

There will be three separate solo Junior categories: Junior Lyra, Junior Open and Junior Silks. Junior Doubles may participate in the Youth Doubles category. All junior performances must be between 2 and 3 minutes long.

All Emerging Youth categories are open to ages 11-16 years only. To take part in these categories the participant must be within the age range on 23rd August 2025 and can not have placed in the top 3 of any national or international aerial competition above beginner/novice level. Emerging youth competitors must also not have participated in any professional development courses or performed in a professional capacity. There are no restricted moves in any categories but all Emerging Youth competitors must use a mat appropriate to the skills and height they are performing. We also advise all youth competitors to have a spotter close by who knows the performance well enough to identify any trouble you may be facing.

There will be three separate solo Emerging Youth categories: Emerging Youth Lyra, Emerging Youth Open and Emerging Youth Silks. Emerging Youth Doubles may participate in the Youth Doubles category. All Emerging Youth  performances must be between 2 and 3 minutes long.

All Experienced Youth categories are open to ages 11-16 years only. To take part in these categories the participant must be within the age range on 23rd August 2025. There are no restricted moves in any categories but all Experienced Youth competitors must use a mat appropriate to the skills and height they are performing. We also advise all Youth competitors to have a spotter close by who knows the performance well enough to identify any trouble you may be facing.

There will be three separate solo Experienced Youth categories: Experienced Youth Lyra, Experienced Youth Open and Experienced Youth Silks. Experienced Youth Doubles may participate in the Youth Doubles category. All Experienced Youth performances must be between 2 and 3 minutes long.

In Amateur categories there are no restricted moves. Participants are permitted to use a mat and have a spotter close by if required. Participants of amateur categories can not have undertaken instructor training or be instructing aerial arts in any capacity. Participants also can not have made any money from performing in aerial arts or actively be seeking work as a performer. 

Any competitor who has undertaken work that would normally be performed by a paid aerial performer, even if they have not been paid, is not eligible to enter this category.

Performing in studio showcases, amateur displays or amateur guest performances does not affect your eligibility to enter the Amateur level categories.

There will be three separate solo instructor categories: Instructor Lyra, Instructor Open and Instructor Silks. Instructor Doubles may participate in the Professional Doubles category. All instructor performances must be between 2minutes and 3 minutes.

All instructor categories are open to anyone aged 17 years or above. There are no restricted moves. Participants are permitted to use a mat and have a spotter close by if required. To participate in the instructor categories, participants can not have made any money from performing in aerial arts or actively be seeking work as a performer. The instructor categories are for instructors of any aerial discipline or those who have undertaken instructor training ready to work as an instructor in the future.

Any competitor who has undertaken work that would normally be performed by a paid aerial performer, even if they have not been paid, is not eligible to enter this category.

Performing in studio showcases, amateur displays or amateur guest performances does not affect your eligibility to enter the instructor level categories.

There will be three separate solo instructor categories: Instructor Lyra, Instructor Open and Instructor Silks. Instructor Doubles may participate in the Professional Doubles category. All instructor performances must be between 2minutes and 30 seconds and 3 minutes and 30 seconds. 

All professional categories are open to anyone aged 17 or above on the date of the final (23rd August 2025). There are no restricted moves. Participants are permitted to use a mat. This level is open to any participant who has earned money performing on any aerial apparatus or is actively seeking work as an aerial performer.

There will be three separate solo professional categories: Professional Lyra, Professional Open and Professional Silks, and a Professional Doubles category.  All professional performances should be between 2 minutes 30 seconds and 3 minutes 30 seconds long. 

Lyra categories are open to participants using double point, single point and 0 point hoop.

Participants are permitted use of their own hoop in all lyra categories providing they meet industry standards of safety and are rigged correctly. If a double or tippy hoop is used it must be rigged to a paw plate or spreader bar.

The only hoops provided are a 95cm 0 point hoop and a 95cm double point hoop. Please ensure you let us know if you would like to use our apparatus.

Competitors can choose the height of their hoop at the start of their performance. 

Silks categories are open to participants using silks.

Participants are permitted to use their own silks. The only silks provided are 8m Firetoys silks. Please ensure you let us know if you would like to use our apparatus.

Height restrictions at regional events will be included in the event details on the event pages on Facebook. At the final, silks can be set to a maximum of 8m high. 

Open categories are open to participants using any apparatus that can be mounted to a single point swivel that is not included in our lyra or silk categories.

If a double point apparatus is to be used (e.g. trapeze, hammock, net, etc) it must be rigged to a paw plate or spreader bar so it can be safely rigged to the single point swivel.

Competitors can choose their height of their apparatus. 

Doubles categories are for competitors on any aerial apparatus that can be mounted to a single point swivel, including silks and lyra.

Only one piece of equipment is permitted. If more than one apparatus is used, the performance will be disqualified from progressing in the competition.

 

There will be two Doubles categories, Youth doubles for all Junior, Emerging Youth and Experienced Youth Competitors and Adult Doubles for all Amateur, Instructor, and Professional competitors.