Dear Colleagues

We are writing to share an important update regarding the forthcoming COBIS Music Competition. Following detailed discussions with the host school, and in light of the current uncertainty surrounding the conflict in the Middle East, we regret to confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to cancel the in-person event.

We know how much time, commitment, and enthusiasm students and staff have invested in preparing for the competition, and we fully appreciate how disappointing this news will be for everyone involved. Our priority is the safety and well-being of everybody concerned, as well as making a timely decision to support schools, families, and staff before any further plans or payments are made. However, we appreciate that a certain amount of planning may have already taken place, and that some schools may have made bookings directly with the hotel in Bahrain. The host school is currently in conversation with the hotel regarding this situation and we will provide further information as soon as we are able.

We are also exploring alternative formats or opportunities to recognise and celebrate the work students have already undertaken (e.g. an online competition). Please do let us know if this would be of interest to you, and we warmly welcome your suggestions as we consider the best way forward. We will then be in touch with further details as soon as possible.

At this stage, we are still clarifying information regarding financial commitments and liabilities. We will provide an update on this as soon as possible. In the meantime, and in keeping with the COBIS Music Festival Terms and Conditions, we would encourage you to review your school’s insurance arrangements, particularly any cover relating to cancellation or curtailment of travel. The T&Cs note that ‘COBIS and the host school reserve the right to cancel this event if insufficient bookings are received, or if travel to the host country becomes inadvisable.  Schools must take out the appropriate insurance policies in order to attend this competition; the policy should include cancellation, travel, and medical insurance as well as anything else as required by your school or region.’  

Thank you for your understanding and for your continued support of COBIS events. We will remain in close contact as further information becomes available, and we are here to support you throughout this process.

Kind regards               

Being the online element of the Music Festival, the composition competition will go ahead as planned and is not affected by the current regional situation.