There is less than a month to go to enter this year’s Guild.

There are plenty of classes to compete in.

From African music and dance to mime, a number of new classes are lined up for the 2020 Manx Music Speech and Dance Festival.

In the region of 200 classes will be held during Guild week (April 25 to May 2) covering all forms of music, both vocal and instrumental, solo and group, plus a growing dance section and the ever-popular speech competitions.

Among the other additions will be a group ballet class, Songs from the Musicals for years three to eight and the revival of the brass ensemble class.

Festival secretary Jacqueline Yates said: ’One of the secrets of the festival’s enduring popularity is its ability to stay fresh so we always aim to move with the times to attract new people.

’In 2019, the introduction of stand-up comedy, news reading and a junior duet class, among others, were well received and I am pleased to say they will return in 2020.

’We constantly look at making room for new additions and we are particularly excited about our new "Anything Goes" class where competitors will be able to perform their own choice of music and/or dance in-fitting with the theme.

’In 2020 that theme is Africa and it promises to be a really interesting section.

’More than 3,500 performers were involved and 4,000 admission tickets sold in 2019 and we hope those numbers will increase further.

’The Guild showcases the best of island talent and we hope regular and new participants will see something they would like to do, including one or two of the new additions to the programme.’

The 2020 festival will take place predominantly at the Villa Marina in Douglas. Free copies of the syllabus, which details new and returning classes as well as requirements for those taking part, are available in outlets all over the island.

The closing date for entries is February 1.

The event is sponsored by property developer Dandara.