There are just two weeks to go until the Guild begins.

The 126th Manx Music Speech and Dance Festival will be held at the Villa Marina in Douglas from April 20 to 28.

Entrant numbers have increased again this year and 4,000 competitors will appear during the week, showcasing their talent in music, speech and dance.

Chairman of the Guild Sarah Kelly said: ’We are really looking forward to the start of the Festival after a busy year of preparation.

The Guild kicks off on Friday, April 20, with the Battle of the Bands in the Royal Hall - which promises to be an amazing night!

’We have 18 local rock bands performing and the competition is uniquely judged by our the audience themselves with our clapometer and our expert adjudicator, who this year is Paul Roberts, the former frontman of The Stranglers.

’For those who think the Guild is locked in the past couldn’t be more wrong! Now in its third year, the Battle of the Bands is fast becoming a new favourite Guild night.’

The prestigious Cleveland Medal final will be taking place on Friday, April 27, after the six finalists have won their ’special’ classes earlier in the week, and the Sheffield Plate final will also take place that evening as a mini-Cleveland for the junior singers.

The Festival’s Finest showcase will be the finale to the week on Saturday, April 28, featuring winners and outstanding performances in music, speech and dance, and showing the Guild at its very best.

Sarah added: ’Final rehearsals are now being held all over the island with our official accompanists. In local schools, dance schools and drama groups the tension is mounting as everyone gets ready to give their very best. Every year our adjudicators, who fly into the island for the week, comment on the outstanding talent they see and hear.

’Many of them enjoy the festival so much they ask to return. It truly is a very special week - and we will be celebrating Manx talent and looking towards the future with pride.’

The Guild programme costs £4.

A season ticket for the Manx Music Festival is now available from the box office at a cost of £35 for all sessions during the week, with the exception of the Festival’s Finest showcase, which will cost £10 admission for adults and £5 for under 18s.

General admission for sessions will be £4 during the day and £5 for evenings, and free for under 18s.

The Guild is sponsored by building company Dandara.