The Department of Economic Development has released further details of the TT 2014 entertainment programme of free events.
 
The Department’s Motorsport team has evolved the free entertainment to distribute the action more widely, in recognition that more visitors arriving for the TT races are finding places to stay outside Douglas.
 
TT Mayhem will be touring for seven nights from Saturday 31st May to Friday 6th June, running at four different venues across the island. The new show will feature the Infernal Varanne Splitter Ball, and Monster Energy's Moto Trials display by Fred Crosset as well as plenty of loud music, giveaways and crowd participation.
 
The schedule of events for TT Mayhem starts at 6pm on Saturday 31st May at the Villa Marina Gardens, with live action running until 8pm, then moves to Peel Promenade on Sunday 1st June as part of Peel TT day and to Port Erin on Monday 2nd, coinciding with Port Erin TT day for a repeat performance.
 
Tuesday 3rd June sees the Red Arrows making an appearance at the Ramsey Sprint at 3pm and over Douglas Bay at 7.30pm.
 
On the same day, the Monster Mayhem live action in Ramsey commences at 2pm and again at 3.30pm.
 
The action moves back to Douglas on Wednesday 4th, Thursday 5th and Friday 6th June with shows at 11.30am and 4pm in Nobles Park.
 
This year will sees the introduction of a live music stage in the Villa Marina which will play host to local bands on three nights: Wednesday 4th, Thursday 5th and culminating in the PokerStars’ closing party and fireworks display on Friday 6th June. These evenings will also feature interviews with leading riders on stage and the Senior TT prize giving following Friday's race.
The funfair will return to Douglas Promenade, opening on Thursday 29th May and finishing Sunday 8th June.
 
As well as the officially organised entertainment, the fortnight long TT festival includes other events and activities organised by third parties. These include the Ramsey Sprint, the Laxey Motorcycle Show, organised by local bike club the Moddey Dhoo, and thirteen nights of local live bands and street entertainment.
 
David Cretney MHK, Political Member for Tourism and Motorsport commented:
 
‘Prior to my appointment, the Department picked out a number of well attended events around the Isle of Man and are adding to the TT entertainment to further enhance them. This not only means that the events are better attended but also that more of the Island's towns will get to experience the benefits of the official TT festival.
 
‘This year’s TT entertainment programme has lots to offer. One thing is for sure: this will not be a repeat of the situation in 2009.
 
I welcome the latest proposals from Bushy’s to add to the entertainment available on the Promenade.
 
I am committed to reviewing the quality and range of entertainment in Douglas and elsewhere to help us continue to improve it in future years.’
 
Andy Gregorek, Managing Director of event organisers Gorilla said:
 
‘TT Mayhem has become an intrinsic part of the two week, fun-packed festival that includes live music, stunt shows and family fun days out. This year we were asked to look at creating something that had the same impact over a wider area. By taking our TT Mayhem show on the road we can engage with more people and will be tailoring our show to suit each venue.’
 
To download full details on the extensive programme of events and entertainment during TT 2014 visit http://www.iomtt.com/TT-Info/Whats-on.aspx.