Welcome to the official home page of the Manx Music Festival (The Manx Competitive Music, Speech and Dance Festival to give it its full name) or “The Guild” as it is affectionately known on the Island.
Our next Festival will take place from 27th April to 4th May 2024
The 2023 Festival was a big success with an increase in entries and audiences!
Watch out for next year's Syllabus coming out in October.
Ben Costello told us in 2022 "I had a thoroughly enjoyable time on the Island and was very impressed by all that I saw and heard. All the Festival staff were very kind, supportive and good-humoured throughout making my job a whole lot easier. All days were run most professionally and efficiently, in lovely venues, enabling performers to give of their best. I would be delighted to return to adjudicate again in the future if the opportunity arises. In the mean time, I wish the Festival every success for the future."
If you would like to come and help with the Festival and become part of our great team do get in touch with the Festival Secretary, Sandra Loach by emailing manxguild@gmail.com
The Isle of Man has very strong musical traditions and since 1892, when it was formed, The Guild through its competitive nature, has provided motivation to improve, initially for choirs, followed by solo singing and later to a wide range of music, spoken word and dance. The climax of the Festival occurs with the competition for the Cleveland, Ohio (USA) Manx Society’s Gold Medal, donated annually by this organisation and competed for by the three highest marked ladies and three highest marked men from across the special solo classes held during the week.
The Festival is a member of the British and International Federation of Festivals.
The Festival is held annually in April at the Villa Marina on Douglas promenade. To see the range and size of competitions check out our results section.