The stunt shows which have become a major feature on Douglas promenade are gone – instead there will be a touring stunt show coming to the island’s ‘main towns’, details of which are yet to be announced.

Bushy’s Beer Tent, with live music every evening from May 25, and the funfair will be in place as well as a new three-day free open air music event in the Villa Marina Gardens.

The fortnight’s entertainment will include Red Arrows displays in Douglas and Ramsey, the fast and furious Beach Race on Douglas Beach, the Ramsey Sprint along the Mooragh Promenade, Peel and Port Erin Fun Days, and the Laxey Bike Festival, organised by Moddey Dhoo bike club.

The three nights of entertainment in the Villa Marina Gardens will culminate in the closing party on Senior Race Day including a fireworks display over Douglas Bay, the prizegiving of the Senior Race and interviews with the leading riders.

New for this year are exclusive ‘38th Mile’ club nights at the Villa Marina’s Colonnade Suite with live music by Formula 1 icon Eddie Jordan’s band Eddie and the Robbers.

The Villa Marina’s Royal Hall has a headline band, talk shows, stand-up comedy and live music.

Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK said:

‘While Douglas will still feature heavily, we want to ensure people are able to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the TT festival across the island, which also reflects the fact that a growing number of visitors are now basing themselves outside of Douglas.’

He said the changes to the entertainment line-up in Douglas should not be seen as a downgrade, adding:

‘We are hoping this will be seen as an improvement. We will judge it critically afterwards and if we have to then we will tweak it.’




.