The Pokerstars Isle of Man International Darts Festival is to be broadcast live on the 11th and 12th March by the UK’s only free-to-view sports channel Front Runner in a TV deal with the England Darts Organisation.

Tommy Thompson Chairman of the EDO said: "We are delighted to have signed this deal with Front Runner and to get live television exposure for the Isle of Man International Darts Festival and more so on a dedicated free to air sports channel is really exciting for all of us and we know the players and supporters of BDO darts will be thrilled with this fabulous news."

Ryan Scarratt, from Front Runner, said: "This is another exciting milestone for Front Runner: it's a privilege to be responsible for televising the first live darts broadcast from the Isle of Man."

The event will be available in 19 million homes across the UK and Northern Ireland.   Front Runner broadcast on a number of platforms Sky Ch468, FreeSat Ch250, Freeview Ch91 and Talk Talk/BT Ch91.

Mr Rob Callister MHK, Department of Economic Development political member with responsibility for tourism said: "Having live TV from the Villa Marina Royal Hall means we can now share the exciting atmosphere of the stage finals of the IOM International Darts Festival with darts fans far and wide”

The IOM Festival will be broadcast live from the Villa Marina Royal Hall, Douglas on afternoons of 11th and 12th March 2017.

The Darts Festival runs from 9th – 12th March.  There is free entry to the Villa for spectators including the Royal Hall stage finals on Sunday 12th March where darts fans can take in the party atmosphere

For more details on the schedule and how to enter go to: www.isleofmandartsfestival.com.

Photo: 2016 Isle of Man Pokerstars Open Champions, Tony O'Shea and Lisa Ashton.