Last chance to get entries in for music festival

Performers keen to compete in the Isle of Man's biggest annual festival of music and speech and dance have been urged to get their entries in before the midnight deadline.

The Manx Music Festival, which was first held in 1892 and colloquially is known as the Guild, runs from 26 April to 3 May at the Villa Marina in Douglas.

It features 200 performance categories, including ballet, mime, stand-up comedy and piano, with participants ranging in age from four to 99.

Chairman Anne Clarke encouraged anyone interested in taking part to "have a go", as it was a "great confidence builder".

In its 133-year history, thousands of people have taken part in a large variety of classes within the festival, which celebrates the arts.

The climax of the event sees solo finalists compete for the competition's top prize, the Cleveland Medal.

The top award for children's solo singing, known as the Sheffield Plate and first introduced to the festival in 1974, will also be awarded.

Ms Clarke said the talent on show each year was "absolutely incredible".

"We've got everything from brass bands, to children singing, dancing, you name it, it's there," she said.

Calling for people to get their entries in, she said: "Have a go, there's nothing to lose, it's a great confidence builder and everyone is very friendly."

Those wishing to compete need to submit their paper and online entries by midnight on 1 February.

The festival will also play host to the Isle of Man regional heats for the annual Cranmer Awards.

Organised by the Prayer Book Society, the national competition sees children aged 11 to 18 recite passages from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

Two class winners will qualify to go to the finals in February 2026 at Hampton Court Palace in London.

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