Geelong & Surfcoast Song Contest

Geelong & Surfcoast Song Contest 2026

Conditions of Entry

By entering the Geelong & Surfcoast Song Contest 2026, entrants agree to the following conditions:

1. Entry process

Entrants must submit their entry through the official website form.

Each entry must include:

• A YouTube link to a video performance of the submitted song
• Song lyrics, compiled and supplied on entry
• A short song description of 25 words or less and a short artist bio
• A JPG headshot image
• Any other information requested on the entry form

A $30 entry fee per song applies. Entry is not complete until the entry form has been submitted and payment has been received.

2. Song requirements

The song submitted must be an original work.

Entrants must have permission from all songwriters, performers and contributors involved in the song to submit it as part of the competition.

Songs must be suitable for a family-friendly event. Entries containing offensive, discriminatory, explicit or inappropriate content may be deemed ineligible at the discretion of the organisers.

3. YouTube video submission

Entrants must upload their video performance to their personal YouTube account and provide the YouTube link through the entry form.

YouTube videos must be named in the following format:

Firstname Lastname – Song Title

Entrants are responsible for ensuring their YouTube link is correct, accessible and working throughout the voting and judging period.

4. File naming requirements

All supporting files must be named in the following format:

Firstname Lastname – Song Title

This applies to:

• Lyrics document
• Song description and artist bio document
• Headshot image

Entries that are incomplete, incorrectly named, or missing required files may not be eligible for public voting or judging.

5. Key dates

Public voting opens: Thursday 20 August 2026
Entries close: Sunday 20 September 2026 at midnight
Public voting closes: Friday 4 October at midnight
Performance day: Sunday 18 October 2026 at the Royal Geelong Show

The organisers reserve the right to amend dates if required.

6. Voting and finalist selection

The public vote will help determine the first Top 5 finalists.

A further Top 5 finalists will be selected by the Royal Geelong Show team.

Together, these Top 10 finalists will be invited to perform live on Sunday 18 October 2026 at the Royal Geelong Show.

The public vote is one part of the selection process and does not guarantee a place in the final.

7. Performance day

Finalists must be available to perform live on Sunday 18 October 2026 at the Royal Geelong Show.

All performances on the day will be acoustic only.

The Top 10 finalists will perform in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. Three songs will then be shortlisted to perform again, after which the judging panel will select the winning artists.

8. Judging

The judges’ decision is final.

The organisers will not enter into correspondence regarding judging outcomes or finalist selection.

9. Prizes

Winners will receive prize packages which may include studio time, music vouchers, media coverage and other promotional opportunities.

Prize details may be subject to change at the discretion of the organisers and prize providers.

Prizes are not transferable and cannot be exchanged unless otherwise stated.

10. Promotional use

By entering, entrants give permission for their artist name, song title, image, video, submitted materials and performance footage to be used for promotional purposes relating to the Geelong & Surfcoast Song Contest 2026, the Royal Geelong Show and associated partners.

11. Entrant responsibility

Entrants are responsible for ensuring all information submitted is true and correct.

Entrants must ensure they have the necessary permissions, rights and approvals to submit their song, video, image and supporting materials.

12. Ineligible entries

An entry may be deemed ineligible if:

• The entry form is incomplete
• Payment is not received
• Required files are missing
• Files or YouTube links are incorrectly named
• The YouTube link does not work or cannot be accessed
• The song is not original
• The content is unsuitable for a family-friendly event
• The entrant is unavailable to perform on the final performance day

13. Event changes

The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the competition format, judging process, dates, prizes or performance requirements if required.

Any major changes will be communicated to entrants where possible.