BHANGRA SHOWDOWN NZ 2026

Competition Rules & Regulations

Competition Categories

Senior Music Category

• Minimum age: 14 years
• Boys, Girls or Mixed teams may participate.
• Team size: 8–16 participants.
• Performance must be based on a pre-recorded music track.

Junior Music Category

• Age: 6–16 years
• Boys, Girls or Mixed teams may participate.
• Team size: 8–16 participants.
• Performance must be based on a pre-recorded music track.

Junior Live & Folk Categories

• Age: 6–16 years
• Boys, Girls or Mixed teams may participate.
• Team size: Strictly 8 dancers.
• Live musicians are permitted.

Senior Live & Folk Categories

• Minimum age: 14 years
• Team size: Strictly 8 dancers.
• Traditional Punjabi Folk performances are encouraged.
• Live musicians or recorded tracks are permitted.

General Rules

Registration

• Registration is only confirmed once the registration fee has been received.
• Registration fees are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the organisers.
• Separate registration is required for each team entered.
• A Registration Pack containing schedules, technical information and performance requirements will be provided after confirmation.

Team Eligibility

• Teams may consist of Boys, Girls or Mixed performers unless otherwise stated.
• Government-issued photo identification may be requested for age verification.
• The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry where eligibility requirements are not met.

Team Changes

• Minor substitutions are permitted before the published deadline.
• No participant may perform for more than one team within the same category.
• Late substitutions require written approval from the organisers.

Performance Rules

• Performance times for each category will be announced in the Registration Pack.
• Teams exceeding the maximum performance time may receive score deductions.
• Music must be submitted in MP3 or WAV format before the published deadline.
• No changes to music will be accepted after the submission deadline except under exceptional circumstances approved by the organisers.
• All music must be free from offensive, discriminatory or abusive language.
• Teams are responsible for ensuring their music files play correctly.

Props & Equipment

• Props are permitted provided they are safe and can be carried by the team.
• Dangerous objects, open flames, fireworks, smoke machines or liquids are strictly prohibited.
• Teams have a maximum of 60 seconds to set up and remove props.
• Any damage caused by props will be the responsibility of the participating team.

Live Categories

• Live musicians are encouraged.
• All instruments must be traditional or appropriate to Punjabi Folk and Bhangra performance.
• Performers must provide any specialised equipment required for live performances.
• Sound checks will be scheduled by the organisers.

Code of Conduct

All participants are expected to:

• Respect fellow competitors.
• Respect judges and officials.
• Respect volunteers and venue staff.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship.
• Follow directions from event staff at all times.

The following may result in immediate disqualification:

• Abusive behaviour
• Offensive language
• Violence or threatening behaviour
• Damage to venue property
• Unsportsmanlike conduct
• Drug or alcohol related misconduct

Judging

Judges will assess performances using criteria including:

• Technique
• Synchronisation
• Choreography
• Creativity
• Musicality
• Energy & Expression
• Traditional Authenticity
• Formations & Stage Use
• Overall Presentation
• Crowd Engagement

Judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence regarding scores will be entered into.

Safety

• All choreography must be performed safely.
• Dangerous stunts may result in score deductions or disqualification.
• Participants perform at their own risk.
• Organisers reserve the right to stop any unsafe performance.

Photography & Media

By entering the competition, participants consent to:

• Photography
• Video recording
• Live streaming
• Social media promotion
• Future promotional use by Folkstars Entertainment Group Limited

Participants under 18 years require parent or guardian consent.

Mixer Party

Attendance at the Friday Evening Mixer Party is mandatory for all participating teams unless otherwise approved by the organisers.

Competition Structure

• If fewer than three (3) teams register in any category, organisers may merge, modify or cancel that category.
• Final competition categories will be confirmed once registrations close.
• Running order will be determined by the organisers.

Prize Pool

• Total Proposed Prize Pool: NZ$21,000
• Prize distribution will be announced once final categories are confirmed.
• Organisers reserve the right to amend prize allocation based on final registrations.

Organiser Rights

The organisers reserve the right to:

• Amend competition rules.
• Adjust schedules.
• Merge categories.
• Replace judges if necessary.
• Modify prize distribution.
• Refuse entry where rules have been breached.

Event Information

• 📍 Location: Hamilton, New Zealand
• 🏆 Prize Pool: NZ$21,000
• 👥 Expected Audience: 550+
• 🎭 150–200 Performers
• 🌏 Teams from New Zealand & Australia