The main stage at the Isle of Wgith Festival has seen many of the biggest names in rock...from The Rolling Stones to Fleetwood Mac, The Police to Paul McCartney

And every year there has also been the winner of Wight Noize, the Isle of Wight competition to find up-and-coming new talent to grace that stage.

Now the hunt is on to find the 2021 winner.

The Wight Noize initiative was conceived by Platform One College of Music, which has continuously strived to develop opportunities for young bands and artists since 1999.

Wight Noize is a mechanism to support all Isle of Wight young musicians and not just students who study at the college.

The competition requires artists and bands to submit a simple form with links to audio, video and online promotion.

The idea is to support emerging performers who are actively seeking to take the next steps into the industry.

David Pontin, director, Platform One, said: "There is no live showcase this year as we want to see how active artists and bands have been online throughout the pandemic.

"All submissions will be viewed by an industry panel who will carefully select acts that are ready to perform at such an iconic festival.

"Artists and bands selected will be invited to play The Platform One Stage but one artist/band will also be selected to open Sunday of this year’s festival on the main stage. An incredible opportunity."

Solo, the organiser of the festival, is seriously committed to supporting young musicians on the Island.

John Giddings, managing director of Solo, said: "I am very proud to be a patron of Platform One. I think they do an incredible job of preparing young musicians for the reality of the music industry.

"I like helping people and my work with Platform One feels the right thing to do - they have integrity and they are good at what they do.’

Here's how to apply.

Isle of Wight County Press: