Rock, Pop & Urban Syllabus

Entries open on 01/01/2026 and will close 14/03/2026

Saturday 9th May at Reigate College.

Mentor: Nikki Franklin

For over 20 years I have worked as a composer, performer and educator across a wide range of musical settings, appearing at major UK venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Barbican, Ronnie Scott’s and The 606 Club. I work internationally with Trinity College London as a Rock & Pop Examiner, senior moderator and curriculum developer, contributing to syllabus design and supporting the wider examiner panel.

My large ensemble, The Spike Orchestra, became the first British group to record a volume of John Zorn’s Masada Book Two for Tzadik Records in 2015. My compositions have been performed in the UK, Italy, France and Sweden, and I continue to collaborate with artists across varied disciplines.

I am the founder and Chief Executive of Franklin Music CIC, a community organisation based in Redhill that delivers choirs, workshops, concerts and creative programmes. We work closely with local partners, including the Reigate Summer Festival Fringe Festival, to build inclusive, accessible opportunities for musicians and performers of all ages.

I remain committed to supporting young musicians in the region, helping them develop confidence, creativity and a strong artistic voice.

Mentor: John Evans

For over 25 years I have been a successful and active guitarist, songwriter, teacher, composer, and arranger having had the opportunity to play on many of the world’s most prestigious stages including London’s Royal Albert Hall, Barbican and Palladium as well as UK festivals, including Glastonbury, V Festival, T in the Park and Oxygen.

My playing and writing career have also allowed me to tour extensively across Europe and N. America, record at world-renowned studios as a member of The Divine Comedy and as a session player for Ray Davies, Tom Chaplin, Liam Bailey, Chris Difford, Marti Pellow, Luke Haines as well as with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. I have played in many of the West End’s theatres on shows including Jersey Boys, Billy Elliott, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Dirty Dancing.

My compositions and arrangements have been performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra, the BBC Ulster Orchestra and heard on BBC, Channel 4 and Netflix. Throughout my career I have always taught, working either as an instrumental tutor in group and individual settings, or in the classroom, teaching music at Key Stages 3, 4, & 5.

I started as Head of Music at Reigate College in September 2023 and I look forward to drawing upon my experience facilitating the development of young bands and contemporary musicians in academic and practical settings to showcase the talent of the young musicians of the local area.

Details

The Reigate & Redhill Festival has teamed up with Reigate College to support young musicians, aged 10 to 19, who want to develop their performance skills in Rock, Pop or Urban Music. We are pleased to be able to provide this unique opportunity for young musicians locally.

The sessions will take place at the Rispoli Theatre at Reigate College, where a full back line of equipment will be provided, so that you can bring your instruments, (bring your breakables if you are a drummer) then plug in and play two songs, or fill a 10 minute slot. You will receive feedback and advice from mentors who are industry professionals to help develop your stagecraft and confidence. In addition you will have the opportunity to watch and learn from other performers who are playing in your session. Shortlisted performers will be invited to play at other prestigious music events.

We are inviting entries from people who are soloists or in a band of up to six players. Soloists may use backing tracks if they wish and any genre of modern music is welcome, whether originals or covers.

Tickets to watch the sessions for friends and family can be purchased here, or via this QR code

Rules

For a full list of the Festival’s rules and regulations see here.

Please take note of Rule 3a: it is a condition of our Surrey County Council performance licence that all performers in school years 11 and below must be accompanied by an appropriate adult at all times while at Festival venues.

In addition, the following section rules apply;

  • Performers should bring their own instruments. Drummers should bring breakables. All other equipment will be provided by College including microphones, amplifiers etc.;
  • A full backline will be provided and full technical support will be on hand for set up;
  • If PAT testing or any other safety testing of performers’ equipment is required, entrants will be contacted ahead of the sessions;
  • Performers are responsible for the care of their own instruments (and related equipment). Reigate College and RRF do not accept any liability for performers’ equipment or belongings;
  • Soloists may use backing tracks if they wish and any genre of modern music is welcome, whether originals or covers;
  • There will be no rehearsal time in the programme so entrants should complete any rehearsals before attending the sessions.

Classes

1001 Rock, Pop & Urban – Morning Session
Plug-in and play/sing a maximum of 2 songs within a slot of a maximum of 10 minutes.
Fee Solo: ₤8.00 Group: ₤8.00 per person
Solo or Group of 2 to 6 people
Age between 10 and 19
Up to 10 mins

1002 Rock, Pop & Urban – Afternoon Session
Plug-in and play/sing a maximum of 2 songs within a slot of a maximum of 10 minutes.
Fee Solo: ₤8.00 Group: ₤8.00 per person
Solo or Group of 2 to 6 people
Age between 10 and 19
Up to 10 mins

Rock, Pop and Urban entries for the Festival close on 14 March 2026 (enter here). Please ensure your entry is submitted in time!