John Hazlehurst Memorial Tune Competition 2026
Welcome to the John Hazlehurst Memorial Tune Competition 2026. John was a much loved local player and composer who has now sadly passed away. He was a member of Furness Morris for many years and published a book of his own compositions, Phizacklea’s Fandangle, which can be purchased from our website. In memory of John and to celebrate his commitment to dance and composition we hold this annual competition with the £50 prize being donated by John’s family. We are grateful for their support.
We invite you to compose an original traditional-style tune. Tunes may be in any traditional dance or air form, including jig, reel, hornpipe, polka, waltz, air, or similar style.
For the purposes of this competition, “traditional style” means a tune that would sit comfortably alongside established traditional folk melodies and be suitable for acoustic performance in sessions, concerts or dances.
Rules
The competition is open to all.
~ Entries must be original compositions by the entrant.
~ Only one tune entry per person permitted
~Tunes must not previously have been entered into any other competition.
~ Copyright remains the property of the composer.
~ By entering the competition, composers grant Furness Tradition the right to publish submitted tunes in booklet or other printed form.
The closing date for entries is 30 June 2026.
The judges’ decision is final.
Submission Format
Entries may be submitted:
~ as a sound recording,
~ as written manuscript/tune notation,
~ or preferably both.
How to submit your entry
All entries must be submitted via email to:
tune.competition2026@furnesstradition.org.uk
Closing Date: 30th June 2026
Submission Requirements: Please include
- Name of the tune.
- Date when the tune was written.
- Full name of composer(s).
- Contact details for composer(s): Phone number and email.
- Notation or/and MP3 of the tune attached.
Judging
Judging will be anonymous and will take place in early July 2026.
Prize
The competition winner will receive:
~ the John Hazlehurst Memorial Trophy (winner’s name engraved on the main trophy),
~ a smaller trophy to keep,
~ and a cash prize of £50.
The winning tune may be performed during the Festival, where the prize presentation will take place.
Furness Tradition also reserves the right to publish a selection of tunes entered into the competition in a commemorative booklet.
We look forward to receiving your entries!