Previously known as the Isle of Wight Musical Competition Festival, the Isle of Wight Music, Dance and Drama Festival underwent a name change in June 2013 as it was felt that the old name was too inadequate to convey the breadth of performance disciplines that it encompassed.  The Festival was founded in 1924 and in 2016 is celebrating its 86th year (there having been a break during WWII).

The Isle of Wight Music, Dance & Drama Festival (IWMDDF), a registered charity, is established to advance, promote and encourage generally, and by means of the Competition Festival Movement in particular, the study and practice of the arts of Music, Dancing, Elocution, Literature and Acting in all their branches. The IWMDDF provides a platform for amateur performance combined with an educational element from professional musicians, dancers and speakers.