Government figures say visitor numbers to the TT have swelled by a third in the last five years.

That's been worth an additional ?8 million to the local economy.

Today, Economic Development Minister John Shimmin unveiled the programme for this year's festival.

One attraction will be a figure more usually associated with racing on four wheels.

Eddie Jordan's band Eddie and the Robbers is included in the musical attractions planned.

There 'll be a series of free to enter open air music event in the Villa Gardens, over three nights featuring local bands and chat shows.

North One Television will keep its involvement, after the races got 400 hours of global coverage last year, including in the United States and Australia.

Included in the overall festival package are old favourites the Red Arrows display team, the Ramsey Sprint, and bike festivals around the Island.

The FunFair on the prom will start business on Sunday, May 25 as will the live events featured at the Bushy's Beer tent.

The Government is citing the increase in visitor numbers as justifying its increased financial involvement in recent years.