The decision to cancel the 2020 Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix has denied the chance for a home-grown international music star to return to the Isle of Man later in the year.

Blues guitarist Davy Knowles was due to be the star attraction at the newly-christened ’Mercury Club’, which was the new name given to the concert venue at the TT Grandstand.

The US-based award-winning musician, originally from Port St Mary, was set to play his first Manx gig for more than 18 months with his backing band at this year’s Classic TT weekend, along with a host of other blues and roots groups over the festival weekend, between Friday, August 28 and Sunday, August 30.

Also set to perform on stage at the TT fanzone were the UK blues man Marcus Bonfanti with two groups, his New Orleans blues and jazz- influenced group ’The Delta Trio’ and his blues rock quartet ’Jawbone’.

Also due to appear was the 70s-inspired rock band ’Willie and the Bandits’ and the DJ duo the ’Smoking Guns’.

A statement issued by the Classic TT entertainments organisers said: ’Following the announcement that the 2020 Classic TT Races presented by Bennetts has been cancelled, we can confirm that all Grandstand tickets, hospitality packages, music and entertainment gigs will automatically be refunded in full.

’We appreciate your patience during this time and will endeavour to process your refund as soon as possible.’