A record number of 550 scooters will be on display throughout the island this summer for the Isle of Man Scooter Rally.

Held every two years, Douglas seafront will once again be decorated with hundreds of scooters, some dating back to the 1950s.

This time, however, the event is so big that the organisers have had to hire out the Villa Marina.

’This is the first time ever we’ve held it at the Villa Marina,’ said event organiser Barry Turner, who is from Wirral in Merseyside.

’We’re expecting around 550 riders and 400 scooters, which will come off the ferry from Liverpool on Friday, June 22.

’The numbers have shot up so there is no where else big enough to hold us.’

Barry’s wife, Debbie, said: ’Around 35 to 40 people in the island take part and we have someone coming all the way from Paris.

Support

’We get tremendous help from clubs in the island and without their participation or help with the marshalling, we couldn’t do it,’ she added.

An acoustic night at the Villa Marina is planned for the rally on June 22 with UK band ’The Howard Brothers’ playing. Doors will open at 5pm until midnight.

The following day will start with the ride-out from the TT Grandstand at noon, where riders will make their way to Laxey before heading to Ramsey via the coastal route.

Riders will then return to Douglas using the Mountain Road.

Another live show will take place on the Saturday at the Villa Marina from 7pm and a trophy presentation will also be given at 10pm, where 14 winners will be picked for the ’best vintage scooter’ and more.

Throughout the rally, members of the public are welcome to check out the range of scooters on show, including classical Italian models like Lambretta and Vespa, worth up to £10,000.

Pre-ordered wristbands to join the weekend event (June 22 and 23) at the Villa Marina cost £10.

For more information, you can search for ’Isle of Man Scooter Rally’ on Facebook or phone Barry on 07940 915190.