Bansko ’26
Morning Star · Bansko
WHEN2–6 December 2026
WHERENikola Vaptsarov Community Centre, main hall
APPLICATION DEADLINE15 November 2026
Your story.
Our stage.
Five days, one stage and countless stories. The 47th Morning Star International Arts Festival brings dance, music and theatre together in the heart of Pirin.
The winter edition in Bansko brings dance, music and theatre together. Soloists and groups present their work on a shared stage, in competition sections organised by discipline, age and performance format. It is an opportunity for teachers and group leaders to turn months of preparation into a shared experience.
Submit one application for your group and add each performance separately, with its category, age group, participant count and music. The system reads the audio duration when you upload the file. Include the full stage duration if your entrance or exit needs extra time. The competition programme appears here after applications have been processed.
This edition takes place from 2 to 6 December 2026 in the main hall of the Nikola Vaptsarov Community Centre. Read the rules, participation fees and accommodation conditions before applying.
02 /YOUR PARTICIPATIONFind your place on stage.
Disciplines
Age groups
Up to 7 years · 7–9 years · 10–11 years · 12–14 years · 15–17 years · 18–24 years · Over 25 years · Mixed ages / productions
Performance formats
Solo · Duet / trio · Small group (4–8) · Formation (over 8) · Production (over 20) · Ensemble · Choir
One application brings together every performance by your group. Choose a discipline and age group for each act, add the music and check its duration. The organisers will review applications and publish the programme here.
Discover Bansko.
Bansko lies at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, with stone houses, historic streets and mountain views. Its old town preserves the character of the Bulgarian National Revival. Allow time to explore between rehearsals, and prepare for winter conditions in December.
Plan your journey
Arrive in Bansko with enough time for registration and costume preparation. Your exact performance time will appear in the competition programme. If you need accommodation through the organisers, enter the number of guests and nights in your application; the team will confirm availability and price.
Taking part.
Who can participate?
Individual performers, community centres, schools, studios, clubs, academies and creative groups. Each competition performance is entered through the online application.
Categories and formats
Categories follow the age groups and formats listed below. Mixed ages are permitted up to 50%, with younger participants moving into the next age category. The organiser confirms the applicable category.
Music and duration
Upload the final music file for each performance by 15 November. State the full stage duration. Theatre productions may last up to 40 minutes and recitals up to 5 minutes. The organiser confirms specific limits for other disciplines.
Festival schedule
2–3 December: theatre and music. 4–5 December: dance. 6 December from 10:00: the Grand Prix Nomination competition and awards. The detailed competition programme is published after applications are processed.
Judging
Judging is closed. The competition programme and score sheets show the start number and performance title. Organisers may adjust the programme when necessary.
Additional fee conditions
Standard fees apply to participants staying through the organisers. Without accommodation through the organisers: solo / duet / trio — EUR 80 per person; small group / formation — EUR 60 per person. An additional solo / duet / trio entry in another style costs EUR 10 per performance. Accompanying guests pay a EUR 10 charitable contribution. The team confirms the conditions applicable to your application.
Accommodation
Accommodation is arranged through the festival team. Hotels in Bansko offer participant rates. Indicate the places you need in the application; the team will confirm availability and price.
Age groups
Performance formats
Fees & accommodation.
Fees are in euros. The applicable amount depends on the discipline, format and accommodation arrangements. Contact the team for the total for your group.
Stay for the whole experience.
Accommodation is arranged through the festival team. Hotels in Bansko offer participant rates. Indicate the places you need in the application; the team will confirm availability and price.
Contact the organisersThe festival programme.
Live programme · all daysEvery talent will have its moment.
The detailed programme will be published here after applications are reviewed.