Organisers hope the venture, at the Jurby airfield racing circuit from May 30 to June 6, will revitalise TT entertainment and compensate for the reduced entertainment on Douglas promenade.

Organisers’ spokesman Tina Carter said:

‘The existing entertainment is tired and dated and our aim is to reinvent TT entertainment and eventually become the focal point for entertainment during the Isle of Man TT Festival.’

A large outdoor stage will host bands including UK Foo Fighters, Desert Monkeys (Arctic Monkeys), The Stones (Rolling Stones), Riff/Raff (AC/DC) and Hats Off to Led Zeppelin. Headliner on Senior Race Day will be Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, a tribute to the world’s first super group.

Big screens fed from web cams around the course will ensure everyone stays up to date with the race action which will also have live race timing and live commentary from Manx Radio. The beer tent will boast television screens as well as a beer garden.

There will also be a food court, children’s play area and a trade village.

The tribute acts will be supported by a host of local bands who will also provide live daytime entertainment on non-race days. Various other activities will be on offer including a strong man competition, bike balancing and wheel changing contests with live timing on stage.

Daily live stunt shows from Vertical Trix should offer extra fun for the crowds. The organisation will bring along its twin wheelie machine. Said to be the the closest possible simulation of pulling a wheelie on the road without the danger or risk, it allows competition between friends in complete safety.

Trials and stunt rider Steve Colley will be performing on Saturday evening, May 31, and the Purple Helmets display team will perform on Tuesday, June 3, as well as taking part in the Motofest quarter mile duel sprint event. Sprints will also take place on Sunday June 1 and Thursday June 5.

Ms Carter said:

‘The event has received huge local interest and support from businesses and this is very encouraging.’

The Black Knights Parachute Centre will be installed at the airfield offering tandem skydives from up to 15,000ft from Tuesday May 27 to Friday June 6. Tandem skydives can arranged in aid of charity such as hospice IOM and organisers say the attraction has already stirred considerable interest.

The adjoining campsite for up to 1,000 campers will have toilets and showers. A further tented area will be for festival goers who decide to stay the night at short notice. The Motofest café will be open from early morning to provide cooked breakfasts for campers.

Eight-day festival wristbands cost £10 for adults and children go in free of charge. Camping is available at £5 per person per night. The festival site will be open 10am to 11.30pm daily. Bookings for wristbands and camping are at http://www.motofest.im or through the Motofest team by emailing info@motofest.im


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