Local motorsport company Duke Marketing has stepped in to preserve one of the most iconic viewing spots at the TT Races and Festival of Motorcycling.

A grandstand has been in place at Hillberry since the early post-War years but the continuation of the facility was threatened this year as the aging structure was found to have become unsafe. The landowner, in conjunction with Duke, was keen to continue to provide viewing facilities for the hundreds of spectators who flock to the site to watch the races at the thrilling location each year.

Peter Duke, MD, Duke Marketing, commented:

“We are pleased to be able to maintain a spectator area at one of the most iconic and accessible locations on the TT course and are planning an enhanced visitor experience which will include a covered grandstand with proper seats, advance booking of reserved space, as well as improved toilet facilities, on-site comprehensive catering, free WiFi and parking.”

As part of the upgrade the old grandstand, which would have had to be completely rebuilt to achieve a safety certificate, has been removed and the mobile grandstand owned by the Southern 100 club will be installed from the Tuesday of practice week throughout race week.


The grandstand will give an uninterrupted view all the way from the left hand corner at Brandish, through the 140 mph right-hander at Hillberry. Most fans will also be able to see competitors taking Kate’s Cottage over a mile away on the Mountain.

For those who prefer to be a little closer to road level there will also be seating available alongside the grandstand on specially levelled and tiered ground giving a great view of the action.

The grandstand now becomes the fourth official temporary grandstand along with the two at Noble’s Park and at the Creg-Ny-Baa.