As part of the new look Manx Music, Speech and Dance Festival, this year sees the first Battle of the Bands at the Royal Hall, Villa Marina on Tuesday 26th April.
The Guild, supported by award-winning property developer Dandara, takes place later this month from 22nd to 30th April.
The Festival committee is delighted to be working with local music and performance charity Soundcheck to present and produce the event at which eight bands, of various styles and genres, will compete for the £100 prize for each class which has been funded from the Lord Cockfield Trust.
Bands include Hilltop Hallucinations, The Game is On, Ignite the Sky and The Clown Calls for War. There are ‘Own Composition’ and ‘Covers’ classes and under-18s will be followed by adult bands.
This is the first time the Manx Competitive Music, Speech and Dance Festival has included Rock and Pop in its syllabus and the organisers are hopeful it will bring a new audience as well as the new entrants it has already attracted.
Chairman Sarah Kelly said: ‘The Guild has always changed with the times and this is our chance to modernise and attract new participants and audiences. It’s going to be an exciting night with a lively atmosphere and I would encourage as many as possible to come and support their favourite bands.’
The audience will play a big part in the outcome of the competition as they will vote for their favourites in each class.
Admission is £4 for adults and under-18s are free.
Tickets for Songs from the Musicals on Thursday 28th, Cleveland Medal Test on Friday 29th and the Festival’s Finest concert on Saturday 30th are on sale now at the Villa Gaiety Box Office via www.villagaiety.com or by calling 600555. Tickets for most sessions are £4 and a season ticket for the nine days of the Festival is £30.
Official programmes are still available at outlets around the Island.
For further information about the Manx Music Festival please go to www.manxmusicfestival.org or contact the Festival Secretary on 614725.
