“PRIMAVERA in WONDERLAND” – 2027
FROM GEORGIA WITH LOVE
05 March – 10 March 2027
GEORGIA TBILISI – BATUMI – GONIO
The II International Festival-Contest “PRIMAVERA in WONDERLAND” – From Georgia with Love” is organized by companies: “GEO.FEST.GEORGIA” and “TEAM TRAVEL”, with the support of the Board of the European Association of Folklore Festivals (EAFF) and the Municipality of Batumi.
The festival will be held in the Batumi city resort, on the Black Sea coast, at the Batumi Concert Hall .During their stay in Georgia, participants will have the opportunity not only to take part in the festival, but also to visit many interesting and colorful places of our country and discover Georgian history and culture.
WELCOME TO GEORGIA!
Georgia is the “country of St. George,” filled with sunshine, light, dancing, singing, pride and love.Georgia is the “country of St. George,” filled with sunshine, light, dancing, singing, pride and love.
Georgia welcomes you - a land of elegance and emotion. A country of natural artistry and eternal celebration, vibrant temperament, warmth, vivid emotions, unmatched hospitality, and unforgettable impressions.
Georgia is famous for its hospitality - “The guest is a messenger of God,” says a Georgian proverb. For centuries, traditions of hospitality, love and deep respect for guests have been passed down from generation to generation.
A country that everyone falls in love with after just one visit!
Georgia is hospitality, sea and mountains, warm sunshine, architecture, and traditions -simply breathtaking!
ADJARA REGION – BATUMI CITY
Adjara is one of the most popular and beautiful regions of Georgia. Located in the southwestern part of the country, along the Black Sea coast, it is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty.
Visitors are particularly attracted by Adjara’s diverse landscapes and natural environment, which encompass a variety of climatic zones and have largely retained their pristine character.
The city of Batumi is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Black Sea coast. Its blend of historic and contemporary architecture, seaport, botanical garden, seaside boulevard, charming squares and picturesque streets, together with a wide selection of restaurants and hotels representing renowned international brands, makes Batumi a true showcase of modern Georgia.
It is worth noting that in 2012, the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences named Batumi the Best Tourist Destination of the Year.
In the second half of the 20th century, European architects from abroad contributed to giving the city a modern appearance. Batumi’s development has been closely linked to global economic and industrial growth. It was during this period that the renowned Nobel brothers and the Rothschild family began their commercial activities in Batumi.
Sunny Georgia warmly welcomes you with love!
May your talents captivate Georgia, and may the wonders of Georgia captivate you!
THE GONIO RESORT
The resort town of Gonio is located on the left bank of the Choroki River, on the coast of the Black Sea, and is one of the most popular resorts in Georgia.
Here you can also find the Gonio‑Apsaros fortress, which is associated with the well‑known myth about the Argonauts. It was here that Jason and the Argonauts sought the Golden Fleece.
FESTIVAL PARTICIPATION TERMS AND CATEGORIES
Children’s and youth groups, as well as individual performers aged 5 and above, may take part in the festival.
Categories: choreography, vocal, instrumental performance, theatre, photography, variety/original genre, circus arts, fine arts, decorative and applied arts.
I. CHOREOGRAPHY
Folk dance, ethnic choreography, pop dance, classic ballet dance, ballroom dance, modern, jazz, neoclassic ballet dance, sport dance, street dance (hip-hop, breakdance, locking, popping, K-pop), original choreography, disco, etc.
Solo
Duet, trio, quartet, quintet
Ensemble
II. VOCAL
Classical, folk, pop, jazz, academic, rock, rap, soul, musical theatre.
Solo
Duet, trio, quartet, quintet
Choir
III. INSTRUMENTAL GENRE
Folk, classic, jazz, percussion ensembles, guitar ensembles, jazz-style ensembles, chamber orchestras, symphony orchestras, accordion and bayan ensembles, folk-instrument ensembles.
IV. THEATRE AND RELATED ARTS
Drama theatre, musical theatre, performers of spoken word, poetry, pantomime, fashion theatre, photography, variety/original genre, circus arts, fine arts, decorative and applied arts.
AGE CATEGORIES – CHOREOGRAPHY, VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL GENRE, FASHION THEATRE, PANTOMIME, ORIGINAL GENRES, CIRCUS ARTS, PHOTOGRAPHY, FINE ARTS, DECORATIVE AND APPLIED ARTS, POETRY
1. 5–7 years
2. 8–10 years
3. 11–13 years
4. 14–16 years
5. 17–19 years
6. 20–24 years
7. 25 years and above
8. Mixed category (mix)
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:
Performance skills
Technique
Composition and structure of the performance
Stage presence / physical expression, costume, props and performance culture
Difficulty of the repertoire
Suitability of the repertoire to the performer’s abilities and age category
Selection and suitability of musical and choreographic material
Artistry and interpretation of the character
Level of instrumental proficiency
Technical capabilities of ensemble performance
Artistic interpretation of the musical work
Technical capabilities of the performers
Artistic presentation of the program
COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS
Each performer (soloist) must present one composition with a maximum duration of 3 minutes. If a soloist wishes to perform a second composition, the full participation fee for the second composition must also be paid. The second composition will not be considered an additional nomination.
If duet, trio, quartets or quintets wish to perform a second composition, the full participation fee for the second composition must also be paid. The second composition will not be considered an additional nomination.
Dance groups must perform two dances in the contest, both in the same dance style, with each performance lasting no longer than 6 minutes. If a group performs one folk dance and one contemporary dance, an additional nomination fee will be paid.
The maximum duration of theatrical performances is 20 minutes.
All musical compositions must be saved on a USB flash drive and sent to the festival organizers by email: geofestival2023@gmail.com
Only the following audio formats are accepted: MP3, WAV, and AIFF.
YOU ALSO NEED TO HAVE BACKUP COPIES OF ALL TRACKS!
Each recording must be provided on a separate flash drive, indicating the title of the work, the name of the ensemble, the performer’s first and last name, and the duration of the recording. The application must specify whether the numbers need to be separated or whether the performance will be operated as one continuous block.
The application must also indicate where the performance begins: from the stage center or from the wings.
The application must include the first and last names of all festival participants and their leaders/directors, exactly as they should appear in English on the certificates. If there are mistakes in names in the submitted applications, the certificates will not be reprinted.
Please also provide the participants’ technical rider, email address and telephone numbers (Viber/WhatsApp).
During the competition performances of vocalists, both groups and soloists are prohibited from using full backing tracks (“plus” phonograms).
All participants must perform with minus/backing-track accompaniment. Soloists may use recorded backing vocals provided they do not duplicate the main melody. Duet and ensembles must sing without recorded backing vocals.
ATTENTION: Technical issues concerning the connection of musical instruments and equipment must be agreed with the sound engineer in advance!
All requests must be specified in the technical rider.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND FINE ARTS:
The original text specifies that each artist and photographer may submit no more than two competition works. Works must be no larger than A3. The subject matter and techniques could be different. Tablets (for photographers) and cameras should be provided.
Theme for artists: “MY GEORGIA” or “WONDERLAND”.The techniques used may be different; photography themes are unrestricted.
For circus performers, insurance and reliable props are required. The duration of one number must not exceed 8 minutes.
All performance details must be agreed with the festival organizing committee well in advance of the delegation’s arrival.
AWARDS:
Performances will be evaluated by an international jury.
At the conclusion of the contest, participants will be presented with awards at the Gala Concert.
All participants will receive certificates and exclusive memory gifts from the festival organizers, “TEAM TRAVEL” & “GEO.FEST.GEORGIA”.
Groups and individual performers will be evaluated by category and age group. The international jury awards the Grand Prix of the festival; in each category and age group, the titles of Laureate of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degrees, as well as Diploma Winner, may be awarded.
Special Prize from the Festival Organizers! Audience Choice Award!
According to the jury’s decision, special diplomas and prizes may be awarded in the following categories: “Festival Discovery”, “For Artistry”, “Youngest Participant”, “Best Performance”, and “Originality of Staging”.
The jury has the right not to award the Grand Prix and may establish special awards based on the festival results.
If there are no sufficiently deserving candidates for the Grand Prix or prize places, those awards will not be given.
The Gala Concert program is determined by the directing and production team based on the jury’s decisions.
The decision of the international jury is final and cannot be changed!
Winning groups and individual performers will receive offers from “GEO.FEST.GEORGIA” & “TEAM TRAVEL” to participate in festivals held both in Georgia and abroad by our company and our international partners.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The organizers reserve the right to take photographs and make video recordings during the festival-contest and to distribute them.
If festival participants wish to purchase photo or video materials, they must pay a fee agreed in advance with the festival manager.
Group leaders are responsible for the health and safety of their contestants.
Submission of an application to participate in the contest constitutes acceptance of the Project Regulations.
Participants travel to the Georgia at their own expense.
All matters not covered by the Regulations are decided by the festival organizers.
The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the program.
Participants will be notified of program changes on the official Facebook pages GeoFest and TeamTravel no later than one week before the festival-contest begins.
Changes to the program must be communicated to the organizers no later than three weeks before the start of the festival. After that, the established program will not be changed.
FESTIVAL PROGRAM:
DAY I - (5 MARCH) - Arrival, meeting at the airport, check-in, accommodation
of participants and guests of the festival in hotels 3*or 4*
depending on the package you have chosen, free time.
Dinner at the hotel until 21:00 in case the group misses
dinner due to a late flight, we will arrange lunch boxes for
them.
DAY II - (6 MARCH) - Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure of festival participants for the official opening ceremony and contest performances in Batumi.
Part I - Contest Program: Dance and Theatre Day.
Rehearsal – dance groups will be allocated 3 minutes for a stage check.
Lunch will be served either at the hotel or provided as a lunch boxes, depending on the participants’ performance schedules.
Part II - Contest Program: Choreography.
Return to the hotels.
Dinner at the hotel.
DAY III - (7 MARCH) - Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure of festival participants to the contest in Batumi.
Contest Program: Vocal, Choirs, Instrumentalists, and Other Categories.
Soundcheck – 1–2 minutes will be allocated to vocalists, choirs, and instrumentalists.
Lunch will be served either at the hotel or provided as a lunch boxes, depending on the participants’ performance schedules.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
DAY IV - (8 MARCH) - Breakfast at the hotel.
Free time.
Optional additional excursions can be arranged at an extra charge upon request.
Lunch at the hotel.
Free time.
Dinner at the hotel.
DAY V -(9 MARCH) - Breakfast at the hotel.
Free time.
Lunch at the hotel.
After lunch Batumi city tour, followed by a stroll along Batumi Boulevard.
Dinner at the hotel.
Festive dinner for delegation leaders.
DAY VI - (10 MARCH) - Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure of festival participants and transfer to the airport.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
FESTIVAL PARTICIPATION FEES:
FESTIVAL PACKAGE
The package includes:
1. Comfortable bus or minibus.
Transfer is calculated for a group minimum 15 people. Transfer from airport to hotel and back is included in the festival package. Groups with fewer than 15 participants will be required to pay an additional transfer fee. Transfers are included in the package only on the official festival dates. If your group arrives or departs on any other dates, transfers will be charged separately.
2.All transportation services during the festival, including transfers from the hotel to the concert hall and back.
3. Transportation during excursions.
4. Organizational fee for the group’s main nomination.
5. Accommodation in Gonio, Kobuleti or Batumi for 5 nights - 6 days in a 3-star hotel, with 3–4 participants sharing a room.
6. For groups of at least 25 people, one double room is provided at no additional charge.
7. Every 26th participant from arriving group is free from the festival fee. (25+1)
8. Full board (FB), three meals per day.
9. Batumi city tour is included to the program.
10. Diplomas, gratitude letters and gifts from the organizers for all festival participants and group leaders.
Participation fee does not include:
Fly tickets;
Delegation insurance;
Additional hotel nights: Group leaders travelling under the 25 + 1 arrangement (Every 26th participant from arriving group is free from the festival fee.) must also pay for any additional nights at the hotel.
Single room supplement: An additional 30 euro per person per day at a 3-star hotel and 40 euro per person per day at a 4-star hotel.
Double room supplement: An additional 10 euro per person per day at a 3-star hotel and 15 euro per person per day at a 4-star hotel.
The additional fee for an extra night at a 2‑star hotel in Gonio for children under 13 is 33 euro, and over 13 — 38 euro.
The additional fee for an extra night at a 3‑star hotel in Gonio for children under 13 is 35 euro, and over 13 — 40 euro.
The additional fee for an extra night at a 4‑star hotel in Batumi for children under 13 is 55 euro, and over 13 — 60 euro.
Soloists pay an additional organizational fee of 50 euro on top of the basic program price (1 song).
Additional nomination for vocalists: 50 euro (the 2nd composition does not mean additional nomination).
Duet: 45 euro per person.
Trio: 40 euro per person.
Quartets and quintets: 35 euro per person.
If duet, trio, quartets or quintets wish to perform a second composition in the contest, the full participation fee for the second composition must also be paid. The second composition will not be considered an additional nomination.
Additional nomination: 25 euro.
Additional excursions not included in the festival program are charged separately.
Groups wishing to stay in a 5-star hotel during the festival may request this option for an additional fee. Accommodation in a 5-star hotel must be booked before the group’s arrival at the festival.
Once the group has made the payment, no refunds will be issued for any participant who fails to arrive for reasons beyond the company’s control.
P.S. If a group wishes to go on excursions or shopping independently, the organizers must be notified at least one day in advance.
If participants leave without notifying the organizers and subsequently arrive late for or miss breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the meal times cannot be rescheduled for the delegation.
P.S. IMPORTANT NOTICE:
If a group leaves rubbish on buses, fails to leave the dressing rooms at the concert venue clean, damages public property at the concert venue, or causes damage to hotel property, the group will be required to pay a fine before departure. The amount of the fine will be determined in accordance with the applicable penalties set by the hotel management, the bus operator, and the official fee schedule of the state-owned concert venue. All group leaders will be informed of these charges before arriving at the festival.
If participants who have already arrived at the festival decide to change their booking or reduce the number of days of their hotel stay, a penalty will be charged.
If the penalty is not paid, the group will be withdrawn from the contest.
If participants do not attend the festival for reasons beyond our control, they will also be withdrawn from the contest and the participation fee will not be refunded.
On festival days, groups will be provided with a lunchbox at the hotel instead of lunch or dinner, depending on the participant’s performance time.
P.S.
If any force majeure circumstances occur during the festival—including landslides, road closures, or natural disasters—our company will try our best to help resolve the issues. Please note, however, that we cannot accept responsibility for the situation itself.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
The final deadline for submitting applications is 30 days before the start of the festival.
You are welcome to contact us by any convenient means, and we will certainly respond to your inquiry.
APPLICATION AND PAYMENT DEADLINES
Payment Terms:
All festival participants are required to pay a 40% deposit of the total festival package cost two months before the start of the festival. Payment must be transferred to the bank account details provided by the festival manager.
Please note that the deposit is non-refundable if participants are unable to attend the festival for reasons beyond the organizers’ control.
The full festival package fee must be paid no later than 20 days before arrival at the festival.
CONTACT INFORMATION
You are welcome to contact us by any convenient means, and we will certainly respond to your inquiry.
ALL QUESTIONS REGARDING APPLICATIONS, THE FESTIVAL PROGRAMME AND THE TECHNICAL RIDER:
Cell phone: +995 579 401 122; +995 592 45 31 09
WhatsApp: +995 579 401 122; +995 592 45 31 09
Viber: +995 579 401 122; +995 592 45 31 09
E-mail: geofestival2023@gmail.com
We are available 24 hours a day!
Dear colleagues,
We would be happy to consider revising the excursion programme of our festival for those groups who have been joining us for several years, while ensuring that any changes do not affect the competition days.
Yours sincerely,
Festival President
Elena Barsegova
