The Isle of Wight Music, Dance and Drama Festival (IWMDDF) 2024 got underway on Sunday (March 3), and Ellen Weeks' students are off to a great start.

This is the 94th festival, with the event held every year since 1924 – except for the war years.

The only festival of its kind on the Island, IWMDDF provides an opportunity for public performance in a supportive environment with constructive feedback.

  • Find out how to send your photos from the Isle of Wight Music, Dance and Drama Festival below

As vice-chair of the festival and the speech and drama section coordinator, tutor Ellen Weeks knows what it takes to produce a successful entry at the IWMDDF. Here's how some of her students have been getting on.

Matthew Hughes was ‘ecstatic to have won’ class 409 verse speaking 9 years, with a score of 89.

Isle of Wight County Press: Matthew Hughes won his class with a score of 89Matthew Hughes won his class with a score of 89 (Image: Contributions)

Melody Hang and Jonah Greszczyszyn-Rico scooped the top prize in class 469A 9 years and under duologue, scoring 87 points.

The pair said: “We enjoyed ourselves, it was fun!”

Isle of Wight County Press: Melody Hang and Jonah Greszczyszyn-Rico, with tutor Ellen WeeksMelody Hang and Jonah Greszczyszyn-Rico, with tutor Ellen Weeks (Image: Contributions)

Read more: Island's Music, Dance and Drama Festival underway for 2024 - share your photos!

Jonah also won class 402 verse speaking 9 years, scoring a remarkable 90. 

Isle of Wight County Press: A second win for JonahA second win for Jonah (Image: Contributions)

How to send your IWMDDF to the Isle of Wight County Press!

To send us your photos, either scroll down to find our submission form, email us at editor@iwcp.co.uk with IWMDDF in the subject line, or find us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Arthur Williams took top spot in class 410 verse speaking 10 years, with a top mark of 89.

“It felt really nice to win. I was nervous to begin with but now I feel very happy and proud of myself,” Arthur said.

Isle of Wight County Press: Arthur Williams claimed the top prize with his verse performanceArthur Williams claimed the top prize with his verse performance (Image: Contributions)

Evan Greszczyszyn-Rico scored 89 points to win class 431B dramatic scene 12-13 years, performing a very emotional and powerful scene about a soldier in the First World War. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Evan Greszczyszyn-Rico won with a powerful performanceEvan Greszczyszyn-Rico won with a powerful performance (Image: Contributions)

In the senior section, Ellen has been leading by example, claiming victory in five classes.

Ellen won class 489 improved speaking (90 marks), class 482 prepared reading (88 marks), class 481 book at bedtime (88 marks), class 483 sight reading (87 marks) and class 480 Tennyson and living poet (87 marks).

Isle of Wight County Press: Tutor Ellen Weeks with her IWMDDF 2024 awardsTutor Ellen Weeks with her IWMDDF 2024 awards (Image: Contributions)

Ellen said: "It is lovely to see children from many different schools enjoying their performances in the speech and drama section. 

"Much hard work goes in to the preparation of this event, often a team effort from keen young people, enthusiastic teachers and supportive parents.

"Mary Ann Tear was our helpful adjudicator and none of this would be possible without our marvellous stewards. A big thank you to everyone."