An online music competition, created during the recent lockdown period, got underway this week.

The marking and grading of more than 200 entries began on Monday for the Manx Virtual Music Competition.

Already this week, young musicians from key stages one, two and three plus those up to the age of 18 years old have been named as winners in categories such as vocal solo in English and Manx Gaelic, piano and other instrument solos and duets and ensembles, with more to be announced throughout the week.

From March this year, young musicians, duets and groups, including school rock bands and brass ensembles, were able to submit videos of themselves singing or playing their chosen songs to the category, which were then divided into the relevant categories.

The entries are being broadcast via the MVMC YouTube channel and are being judged by specialist external adjudicators.

The competition was created by Laura Rowles, from the Mannin Music studios, after the cancellation of the Manx Competitive Music, Speech and Dance Festival or the Guild, to give it its more familiar title.

’We’ve had more than 200 individual videos, and over the four days of the competition we’ve uploaded more than 70 videos of the classes and results to the YouTube channel and Facebook page,’ said Laura.

’As of Tuesday evening, we’ve had more than 1,200 views, and the pre-school singing class has been the most popular so far.

’The response from everyone has been incredible. Someone described it to me today as a mini festival that you can watch on the sofa with a cuppa.’

The MVMC is backed by Culture Vannin and the Soundcheck Charity, with trophies provided by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

There is also a new public vote been set up, sponsored by Sure, where people can vote for their favourite acts via the MVMC Facebook page.