THE number of motorcycles booked to come to the Island on Steam Packet vessels for the Manx Grand Prix is up 12 per cent.

The company said there is also a two per cent increase for cars and vans and overall passenger figures are up nearly four per cent.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: "It's great to see passenger bookings increasing for the MGP Festival and particularly pleasing that the number of visiting bikes has risen so significantly.

"We've long supported the MGP, through offering discounted travel to competitors, marshals and paramedics.

"To further endorse our commitment to growing this important event, we are sponsoring the newcomers race, to be held this year on Saturday, August 27."

In addition the company is again sponsoring the classic bike display which will be in a marquee at the Grandstand from Saturday, August 20 until Sunday, September 4.

Mark explained: "Chris Wilson, who owns the collection, is part of a worldwide, membership-based organisation of racing bike collectors called Amicale which aims to provide genuine bikes at events and displays.

"The collection includes machines from the four leading Japanese manufacturers and bikes that have been ridden to world championships, as well as TT victories, and features machines that have been part of some of the most memorable moments on the Mountain Course's 100-year history."

As part of the Party on the Prom events on Tuesday, August 30 the Vintage Motor Cycle Club will be holding a Concourse D'elegance on Douglas Promenade.

The winner will receive the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s 'best-in-show award' of a return ferry ticket, for a bike plus two, to next year's MGP Festival. 

The Manx Grand Prix runs from August 20 to September 2.