THE 2021 Isle of Wight Music Dance and Drama Festival is to be a virtual-only event.

The festival was preparing for its 91st annual event, which would usually take place over several venues including Shanklin Theatre.

It is open to anyone who can sing, play an instrument, dance or act — adults and children.

The festival is a three-week long competition, which was scheduled to run from March 1 to March 20, with professional judges affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech.

Entries closed in December, but the competitors will now have to perform virtually.

More information is to follow, or will be updated on www.iwmddf.co.uk

The festival was last year awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service — the equivalent of an MBE for community groups.