After the big countdown and months of anticipation TT 2012 roars into life today (Saturday).

Bikers have started arriving in their droves, just some of the 11,200 machines the Steam Packet is carrying this year, its highest number for a decade.

And right from the off they're being treated to some closed road action.

Tonight sees the first TT practice session, which is untimed and for solo and sidecar newcomers and the lightweight class.

The Mountain Road closes at 5pm, the rest of the course at 6pm.

Before all that though, there's practice and then the first race of the Blackfords Pre-TT Classic.

Roads around the Billown Circuit will be closed between 12.30pm and 4.10pm, with practice taking up the majority of the session.

The highlight of today's programme is the 250/350cc Singles race at 3.10pm.

The one-way system on the Mountain Road is already in place, having been introduced yesterday afternoon.

It will remain one way for the duration of TT fortnight.