ISLE of Wight Festival boss John Giddings was among an elite judging panel who selected the winning entries for a Platform One songwriting showcase, launched at the start of lockdown.

The Wight Noize Songwriting Initiative was open to all Island residents aged between 14 and 24 years old. There was no limit regarding musical genre, with each entry submitting two songs to a music industry panel for feedback.

David Pontin, director of Platform One, said: "The response was incredible, with a diverse range of music from folk to metal. It was fantastic to get so many entries from solo artists with such mature songwriting skills.

The initiative replaced this year's planned Wight Noize Industry Showcase, which normally sees an act play at the Isle of Wight Festival.

Mr Giddings said: "It is wonderful Platform One was able to continue to support young emerging artists and bands through this new songwriting showcase.

"Platform One does an incredible job and we are always committed in supporting them. We look forward to welcoming back the Platform One Stage in 2021 — the 19th year it has been involved with the Isle of Wight Festival.

"The college is certainly an important and integral part of the Isle of Wight Festival family."

The panel has given detailed feedback to all entries, with three receiving a special mention — ODDA, Emellia and the Optimists.

ODDA will receive a professional recording session with a producer at Platform One’s Studio One. In addition, the college will supply any session musicians needed.

ODDA — also known as Oliver Old — said: "I'm humbled to have won this year’s Wight Noize initiative and am grateful to the people at Platform One who take the time to invest in music."