All performers must be over the age of 16 to compete in Talent Trail.
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Previous Talent Trail winners are not permitted to re-enter the competition.
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Bands or solo artists are welcome - playing either original material or covers. Each act has to perform three numbers. If artists wish to perform to backing tracks, the music must be supplied on either CD or Minidisc format.
Non-musical acts are welcome and must perrform for 15 minutes.
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The panel of judges award 10 points to the act they consider best, nine to the next best, eight to their third-choice and so on.
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All the judges scores are added together at the end of the last performance and the two acts with the highest scores go through to the next round.

In the event of a tie for the runners-up position both runner-ups acts will got through to the next round.
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The overall positions for the acts will be published in the Mail and on this website as soon as possible after the event.
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All performers must agree to act in an appropriate and professional manner at all times to other acts, the organisers, the judges and all venue staff – any behaviour the organisers believe to be inappropriate or unprofessional could lead to disqualification from the competition.
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All musical acts that reach the final must perform at least one song with a live band.If you are a solo performer the band will be provided.

The judges' decision is final. However, any disputes or complaints regarding Talent Trail should be made in writing to: Talent Trail, Mail News & Media, Blundell’s Corner, Beverley Road, Hull, HU3 1XS.
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The semi-finals line-ups will be independently chosen. All acts have to agree to be available for any of the semi-finals which will be held over two weeks at the Cherokee and Inglemire clubs – check the heats section for dates: >www.talenttrail.co.uk
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If acts are not available for their allocated semi-final a date can be transferred by mutual consent if agreed by both contestants and organisers. If a contestant still cannot make a semi-final date their place will be forfeit and will be offered to the highest-scoring non-qualifying act from their qualifying heat.

All performers must have proof of portable appliance testing (pat) for any electrical equipment they wish to use during their performance.For more information on PAT testing visit: >www.pat-testing.info
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All Talent Trail profits go to the Mail's chosen charity of the year - The Mail's charity of the year 2008 will be chosen in January 2008.
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These rules were last updated on January 31, 2008. The organisers retain the right to amend and update the rules at any time without consultation.