Budding singers, musicians, orators, actors and dancers are being reminded to submit their entries for the 2016 Manx Music Speech and Dance Festival by Saturday 6th February.

The festival, in association with award-winning property developer Dandara, will take place over nine days from 22nd to the 30th April. Entries can be submitted by post or, for the first time ever, online at www.manxmusicfestival.org. 

‘The Guild’ will also feature a number of new classes this year. Dancers have more opportunities to grace the stage in the Ballet, Modern and Character classes, while Rock and Pop bands will take part in ‘Battle of Bands’ on Tuesday 26th April.

Another change includes expanding the Music Hall class to include comic songs from any era. Competitors may choose pieces by writers such as Richard Stilgoe, Victoria Wood or Flanagan and Allen, which will make for a very entertaining evening.

The final weekend will feature both the Cleveland Medal Test on Friday 29th April and Best of the Festival on Saturday 30th April at the Villa Marina’s Royal Hall, events which are both sure to draw large crowds.

Chairman of the Festival, Sarah Kelly, said: ‘The ‘Best of’ event is new for 2016 and we hope that the professionally produced grand finale provides great entertainment for our audience. We’ve made a number of changes for this year and we’re really hoping that we see lots of news faces both on the stage and in the crowds.’

This year new trophies will be presented for Most Promising Baritone, Most Entertaining Adult Brass Player, Group Modern Dance and Solo Ballet. Prize money has increased too with ?100 being awarded to the winners of the Rock and Pop Band classes and to the Choir Concert classes.

To enter or for more information go to the website www.manxmusicfestival.org.  Alternatively, paper forms are available in the syllabus, which is available at outlets around the Island.

Paper applications should be submitted to the Secretary, Jacqueline Yates, 12 Devonshire Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 3RB.

The Manx Competitive Music, Speech and Dance Festival is presented in association with Dandara.