THE new look Manx Telecom Bay Festival will officially launch on Thursday.

Organisers have promised that this year's event will be bigger and better than ever before.

Promotion of the festival in the UK will be enhanced further this year with HMV confirmed as the official ticket seller. As well as managing online ticket sales the music retailer will promote the event through 275 of their stores.

Peter Dickson, the "voiceover man", has also been confirmed as the official spokesperson for the second year running.

Peter said: "After attending last year's Manx Telecom Bay Festival it was a no brainer for me when I was approached by the organisers to become the official spokesperson. The festival provides one of the most intimate venues on the circuit and creates an amazing atmosphere for artists and fans alike.

"I'm genuinely excited to be a part of the 2011 festival and I'm looking forward to getting over to the Isle of Man as much as possible between now and the big event."

Organisers said that being approached by his promoter Marshall Arts on the feedback from last year's event was a "huge boost for the festival".

This news follows on from the announcement that Sir Elton John will play in the festival venue, the Valhalla Tent, on January 16 – the day before the festival starts.

The Manx Telecom Bay Festival will run from June 17 to June 19. Confirmed artists and the launch of a new website will be revealed on Thursday, December 2, at 12pm.