WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

Organizers: World Festival Association, T.O Budva, and Tree Cane.
With pleasure, we INVITE Children’s, Youth, and Adult Choral Groups to participate in the XII International Choir Festival and Competition “St. Stefan,” which will be held from 15 – 19 August 2026 in Budva, Montenegro.

 PARTICIPATION INFORMATION

Every choir, singing formation, and orchestra has the right to participate.

Categories:
Children’s Choirs (two-thirds of participants must be 16 or younger)
Youth Choirs (two-thirds of participants must be 27 or younger)
Adult Choirs (one-third of participants must be older than 27)

Application requirements: Submit an application form, a photograph of the choir and conductor, and a recent audio recording. Materials can be sent via email, uploaded online, or sent by post.

The festival features two participation options: Competitive or Non-Competitive.
Competitive participation is judged by an international jury. A minimum of five choral groups is required for the competition.

Competition Categories: Uniform, Mixed, Children’s Choirs. A statue “St. Stefan” will be awarded as the grand prize.

Sections of the Festival:
Section One – Performances, open-air programs 15–20 minutes at various public locations.
Section Two – Pop Music, choral arrangements of pop songs, lasting 8–12 minutes.
Section Three – Folk Music, choral arrangements of folk songs or motifs, lasting 8–12 minutes.

All choirs must perform in at least two sections. By applying, choirs agree to respect and regulate the legal rights of authors of their performed works and grant rights for the festival to use any recorded material.

Participation Conditions:
Limited number of participants, with groups up to 50 members including singers, managers, and musicians.
Groups must provide transportation for arrival and departure.
Required: Short CV, photos of the choir, and a national flag.
Each choir must prepare two performances for two sections, lasting 8–14 minutes each.

 ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

Accommodation Cost:
135 Euro per person for 3 nights / 4 days, with 2 meals per day.
175 Euro per person for 4 nights / 5 days, with 2 meals per day.
215 Euro per person for 5 nights / 6 days, with 2 meals per day.

Additional double room: 10 Euro per person per night.

Extended stay: On request, you can continue your stay in Budva for 40 Euro per person per day.

Hotels included:
Hotel Empire:https://www.apartmanibudva-dib.com/hotel-empire/
Villas Hotel Park:http://hotelparkbudva.com/me/smjestaj/turisticko-naselje-vile-hotela-park.html
Hotel Lobo: Link

Accommodation with price on request:
Slovenska Plaza:https://www.hgbudvanskarivijera.com/en/slovenska-plaza-resort
Hotel In
Hotel Park:http://hotelparkbudva.com/me/smjestaj/smjestaj-hotel-park.html

Tourist tax and insurance of 1.50 Euros per person per day are to be paid additionally.
Parking for buses is paid separately.

Transportation: for groups who are coming by plane, we can arrange transport from (Tivat or Podgorica airport) to Budva. (Paid additionaly)

 FESTIVAL ORGANIZERS PROVIDE

For 30 paying participants – one gratis.
Souvenir and gift for each group.
Certificates of attendance.
Refreshments during performances.
Festival promotion through press releases, social media, posters, and flyers.
Competitors receive certificates, and the winner is awarded the statue “St. Stefan.”

Insurance: Personal responsibility and health insurance are required. Medical services must be covered by the group, with First Aid and hospital access available.

 PROGRAM INFORMATION

Day 1
12:00–14:00 Arrival in Budva and hotel accommodation
18:30–20:00 Dinner in hotel
21:00 Welcome reception with leaders and conductors

Day 2
08:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:30–14:00 Budva sightseeing and boat trip to Sveti Stefan peninsula (16 Euros)
19:30–20:00 Dinner in hotel
21:00 Official opening of the festival with a welcome speech, singing together, and an open-air acapella performance in the old city

Day 3
08:00–10:00 Breakfast
11:00–14:00 Competition at Hotel Splendid, judged by an international jury
20:00–21:00 Dinner in hotel
21:00 Festival evening at Tree Cane square

Day 4
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
09:00–18:00 Optional excursions or free activities (visit Kotor, Herceg Novi, Dubrovnik, Aqua Park, or Boka Kotorska Bay)
19:00–21:00 Dinner in hotel
21:00–00:00 Closing ceremony, certificates of attendance, awards, and exchange of presents

Day 5
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
12:00 Departure

Optional Extended Stay: Visits, excursions, and additional free time activities can be arranged.

Transportation: Airport transfers from Tivat or Podgorica airports available. Costs depend on group size.

 COMMUNICATION STEPS

Step 1 — Apply

Fill out the online application form with your group details.

Step 2 — Confirmation

You’ll instantly receive an email confirming we got your application.

Step 3 — Application Number

Within 2 days you’ll receive your Application Number and required materials list.

Step 4 — Review

WOFA reviews your application and checks availability.

Step 5 — Acceptance

If accepted, you’ll receive an Invitation Letter and deposit instructions.

Deposit must be paid within 10 days.

Step 6 — Secure Your Spot

Send us your deposit confirmation. Your participation is officially confirmed.

Step 7 — Finalization

A WOFA coordinator will guide you through the final steps: participant list, travel details, and performance info.

 IMPORTANT DETAILS

Due to the exclusive location in the Old Town of Budva, a stage is not allowed.
Location where the Festival takes place:https://maps.app.goo.gl/1e4f43CXsWFTzPVG7
The Official Festival Program will be provided one month before arrival.

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ3154Go7BFVp8lDE6h4QH-2nB

 EXCURSIONS INFORMATION

Visiting Ostrog Orthodox Monastery – One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Balkans, uniquely built into a cliffside, offering spirituality and stunning nature.

Visiting Tara River Canyon – Explore the second deepest canyon in the world, known as the “Tear of Europe,” with majestic viewpoints and untouched nature.

Shkodra Lake in Montenegro with Lunch – Discover the largest lake in Southern Europe, enjoy a traditional lunch by the lake, and take in the breathtaking views.

Shkodra Lake in Montenegro (Without Lunch) + Boat Ride – Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Shkodra Lake with a boat ride, offering a serene and panoramic view of the landscape.

Visiting Kotor with Boat Ride – Cruise through the mesmerizing Bay of Kotor and explore the UNESCO-listed medieval town of Kotor, filled with history and charm.

Visiting Kotor (Without Boat Ride) – Walk through Kotor’s Old Town, explore historic landmarks, and experience the medieval charm of this coastal gem.

Kotor Cable Car Adventure – Ride the new Kotor Cable Car and ascend to one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Montenegro.