The Manx Music Festival, also known as The Guild, has already published its syllabus for next year’s event.

The 2019 festival will be held from April 27 to May 4 at the Villa Marina in Douglas and free copies of the syllabus are available in outlets around the island.

The syllabus details classes and requirements for competitors to begin their work and rehearsals, culminating in another showcase of the best of Manx talent at the 127th festival next year.

Guild chairman Sarah Kelly said: ’A great deal of work is put into the preparation of the syllabus and performers look forward to seeing it every year. We then look forward to receiving entries in February, and very much hope that, once again, competitor numbers will rise as the popularity of the Guild continues to grow.

’Every year we review the previous festival and look at changes we can make to continually improve the Guild. In 2019 for example, we are significantly changing the structure of the classes that provide the finalists for the coveted Cleveland Medal, so highly prized and considered to be the island’s highest honour in singing.’

For the first time, the three highest marked women and the three highest marked men in the ’special’ vocal classes will go forward to compete on finals night.

Ms Kelly added: ’This is a change from the usual six different voice types from soprano to bass providing a finalist from each class, and we are certain this will maintain the incredibly high standard of singing the island produces and the Guild attracts.’

’There are upwards of 200 classes held during Guild week covering all forms of music, both vocal and instrumental, solo and group plus a growing dance section and the ever-popular drama competitions.

’We recognise that tastes and styles change and we must move with the times to attract both competitors and audiences. In 2019 we are introducing not only a news reading class but also a stand-up comedy class to our drama offering, which I’m looking forward to already. Not everything is serious at the Guild!’

The syllabus is free.

The festival is sponsored by property development firm Dandara.