ITF2006 : FAQ

General Policies & Guidelines for All Participants

Participants must comply with all applicable laws and ordinances, as well as Conservatoire policies and procedures as set forth below and in other Conservatoire publications. Participants in violation of such rules and/or who behave in an unsafe or careless manner while on Conservatoire property may be asked to leave immediately without refund, and will be held responsible for their actions.

The following policies and guidelines have been drawn up to ensure the safety of you and fellow festival participants. Policies and Guidelines are subject to change at any time without notice.

Alcoholic Beverages:: UK law prohibits any person younger than 18 years of age to purchase, publicly consume or possess any alcoholic beverage. Proper identification will be required. No person may carry open containers of alcohol on Conservatoire property except in those places so designated for the consumption of alcohol.
Animals:: Other than guide dogs, animals are prohibited in all Conservatoire facilities.
Badges:: ITF Badges must be worn to all events. No exceptions.
Building Hours:: The Conservatoire is open between 8:00 am - 10:00 pm each day of the festival.
Coffee Bar:: The Conservatoire Coffee Bar will be open during the festival from 9am – 5:30pm (Thu/Fri) and 9am – 9pm (Sat/Sun).
Copyright:: Audio and/or Video Recording any festival performances or clinics is strictly forbidden by UK law. Any person caught making illegal recordings using any medium will be asked to leave the building immediately without refund and may be liable to prosecution.
Damage to or Loss of Conservatoire Property:: Participants are responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of any loss of, or damage to Conservatoire property caused by participants or their guests.
Damage to or Loss of Participants' Property:: Birmingham Conservatoire or International Trombone Festival (ITF) is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property. Do not leave your instrument, accessories or other belongings unattended at any time. Lost property will be held at the Registration Desk until the end of the festival.
Emergencies:: In case of emergency, call 999 from any telephone, or 999 from any public pay phone. A First Aid Box is available at the ITF Registration Desk for minor ailments. The Conservatoire Security Desk is situated at the side entrance to the main building.
Electrical/Fire Equipment:: Tampering with fire equipment or safety apparatus, electrical wiring, and speakers is prohibited.
Exhibits:: Exhibits are situated on the Ground and 1st Floor of the Conservatoire Building. Exhibit hours are:
Thursday, 20 July — 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Friday, 21 July — 10:00 am - 1:00 pm & 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Saturday, 22 July — 10:00 am - 1:00 pm & 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Sunday, 23 July — 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Food & Beverages:: Food and beverages are not permitted inside the performance venues. The sale of food or beverage items is prohibited.
Information Desk:: An Information Desk is situated in the Registration Area (Main Entrance Foyer) to assist with all aspects of the conference, the City of Birmingham and surrounding area.
Instrument Storage:: Instruments may NOT be taken into the performance venues except when specifically indicated on the schedule. Instrument check services are available for a nominal charge at Registration. Gangways and aisles must always be kept clear during performances.
Internet:: Internet access and computer facilities are available in the Birmingham Central Library, located just next to the Conservatoire in Chamberlain Square. Situated on the right of the main entrance to the Central Library, there are 10 computers which allow a quick 15 minute minute e-mail session. No booking is required. Opening hours are 9am – 8pm (Thu & Fri), 9am – 5pm (Sat), closed (Sun)
Minors:: Participants who are under eighteen years of age may only attend the festival in the company of a legal parent or guardian. They are expected to adhere to an 11:00pm curfew in the dormitories.
Mobile Phones:: All phones and pagers should be switched off during all performances and clinics.
Parking:: Car parking at the Conservatoire is very limited and we regret we cannot offer parking spaces to visitors. However, there are several NCP car parks located close by, including two located on Cambridge Street. To access these car parks, at the Paradise Circus island, immediately after you pass the exit for the A456 (Broad Street), move into the left lane and take the first left into Cambridge Street.
Practice Rooms:: Practice Room Facilities are available on the 3rd and 4th Floors of the Conservatoire building. Rooms may not be reserved or held in advance. Practice Rooms are open from 8:00am until 10:00pm each day.
Photography:: Photography of any kind is not permitted during performances and clinics. An official ITF photographer will be taking photographs for reporting purposes.
Registration Desk:: Registration Desk is available in the foyer of the main entrance to the Conservatoire building at the following times:

Thursday, 20 July — 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Friday, 21 July — 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday, 22 July — 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, 23 July — 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Smoking:: Smoking is NOT permitted in all Conservatoire facilities unless otherwise clearly posted.
Taxis:: Only use black cabs or licensed private hire cars, which are identified by doorsigns/plates/logo etc. Private hire cars should always be pre-booked – if you flag one down, you are not insured for that journey. Stay safe - never get into an unmarked car.
Tourist Information:: A Tourist Information Centre is situated in the foyer of Birmingham Central Library, located just next to the Conservatoire in Chamberlain Square. Opening hours are 9am – 8pm (Thu & Fri), 9am – 5pm (Sat), closed (Sun)
Trains:: UCE Birmingham Conservatoire is situated five minutes’ walk from Birmingham New Street Station, where there are regular rail connections to all parts of the country. Trains arrive every half hour from London Euston; the journey time is approximately 100 minutes.

To get to the Conservatoire, leave New Street Station via the alternative exits located at the extreme ‘b’ end of each platform (platforms 1 & 12 excluded), sign-posted ‘Exit to Victoria Square’. (Please note: Visitors requiring a lift and/or those travelling late at night must use the main exits.) Exit via the glass doors onto Navigation Street, cross at the pedestrian crossing and carry straight up the hill (Pinfold Street) towards the clock tower. When you reach the base of the clock, the Conservatoire will be directly across the square to your left, adjacent to Central Library and Town Hall.

Should the Exit to Victoria Square (Navigation Street) exit be closed when you arrive, leave the station via the Pallasades Shopping Centre exit to New Street. At the end of the pedestrian ramp, turn left and walk up New Street to Victoria Square. Cross the Square diagonally and you will arrive in Chamberlain Square where Birmingham Central Library, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and the Conservatoire are located. The Conservatoire is adjacent to Central Library and opposite the Museum.

The Conservatoire is 10 minutes’ walk from Birmingham Snow Hill Rail & Metro Station. The rail station offer regular connections from London Marylebone (via Warwick and Banbury), Stratford-upon-Avon, Kidderminster and other local destinations. The Midland Metro light rail system serves local destinations en route to Wolverhampton.

To get to the Conservatoire, leave Snow Hill Station via the main exits onto Colmore Row. Turn right onto Colmore Row and follow it to the end (Victoria Square). Cross the Square, following the Council House around to the right until you enter Chamberlain Square. UCE Birmingham Conservatoire is located directly across Chamberlain Square, adjacent to Central Library and Town Hall.
Weapons, Fireworks & Candles:: The possession or use of firearms, weapons, fireworks, incense and candles is strictly prohibited!
Useful Telephone Numbers:: Police / Fire / Ambulance — 999
Birmingham Airport Information — 0870 733 5511
Birmingham Central Library — 0121 303 4511
Birmingham Tourist Office — 0905 123 4000
National Rail Enquiries — 0845 748 4950
Jurys Inn Hotel — 0121 606 9000
Local Weather Report — 0901 472 2061 (enter 1123 for Birmingham)
NHS Direct (24h Medical Helpline) — 0845 4647
TOA Taxis — 0121 427 8888

Additional Policies & Guidelines for Participants Staying in the Dormitories

We hope you enjoy your visit to Aston University and that all your requirements are met. Below is some information which may be of help during your stay.

Lawrence Tower, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET: Conference Centre: — 0121 204 3296
Aston Business School Reception: — 0121 204 3011 (Late Check-in)
Reception:: The Reception Lodge in both Lakeside Residences and Lawrence Tower will be able to assist with any guest queries. Lakeside Residences and Lawrence Tower are manned until 10.00pm. Late arrivals should report to Aston Business School (Building No. 6 on the campus map) to collect their keys.
Check in/Check Out:: Check in time is from 2.00pm, check out time is by 9.30am. There may be an opportunity to leave your luggage with staff at Lawrence Tower or Lakeside Centre, please ask reception for details and also check the latest time luggage must be collected.
Lost card and keys:: Please note that a charge of £20 will be made per lost card or/and key.
Emergencies:: In the event of an emergency and if for whatever reason the lodge is not manned, please dial 2222 from the towers and from Lakeside whereupon you will be connected to the University Security Office. Be prepared to state the type and precise location of the emergency and your name and room number.
Fire:: Please read the fire precaution notice on your bedroom door, and make sure you know where the fire exit routes are located. In the event of a fire, break the nearest fire alarm glass and vacate the building. DO NOT use the lift. Exit via the emergency stairs.
First Aid and Health Emergencies:: For minor injuries please contact the Reception Lodge who will inform the nearest First Aider. For illness requiring emergency treatment the patient should be taken to City Hospital (Tel 0121 554 3801) or Heartlands Hospital (Tel 0121 424 2000).
Bedroom Windows:: Please note that the windows will only open slightly and not in full due to health and safety.
Smoking:: Smoking is ONLY permitted in the bedrooms. Smoking is NOT permitted in the corridors, kitchens or lifts or stairways.
Disabled toilet facilities:: Please note that the Main Building has several disabled toilet facilities. Ground floor to the rear of the reception/security office, the rear of the Great Hall, 6th floor north side and 7th floor north wing.
Facilities on Campus:: There are two sport centres within easy reach of your accommodation, Woodcock Sports Centre and Gem Sports Hall. Woodcock Sports Centre (Tel 0121 204 4623) have a number of activities including: swimming, badminton, weight training, multi gym, snooker, table tennis, aerobic studio and new cybex fitness suite. Gem Sports Hall (Tel 0121 204 4626) have a number of activities including: five a side football, indoor climbing wall, tennis, squash and a floodlit synthetic pitch. For further information on times, prices etc please contact the relevant sports centre.
Shops:: There is a mini market and newsagent situated on Aston Street.
Parking:: Residents and visitors may use the visitors car park number 6. Parking is free (subject to availability) and car owners are advised to lock their cars and leave no objects of value in them. At the entrance barrier please advise security via the intercom of the purpose of your visit to gain access with you vehicle onto the campus.
Taxi:: Should you require a taxi during your stay, the telephone number for TOA Taxis is 0121 427 8888, or use the free phone in the entrance to the Lakeside Centre. Picking up and dropping off points are at the turning circle between Lakeside Centre and Lakeside Residences.