Final preparations are underway for the Bushy’s TT Village at the Villa Gardens.
The venue, now in its fifth year, will open its doors at 5pm on Thursday (June 1) for 10 days of entertainment.
There will be four bars, a variety of live music every night, food outlets and retailers and some new additions: a big screen to watch live racing and a TT-themed crazy golf course.
Ella Cowin of promoter Key Bar Events told Island Life: ‘We feel incredibly lucky to have such an amazing relationship with the Villa, we love having Bushy’s TT Village there.
‘We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another year of TT celebrations.’
She added: ‘Last year was all about getting back into the swing of things after Covid and this year we are bringing in some new elements.
‘We’ve got our Bushy’s Big Screen, to showcase the live racing. This is something we are so excited about, because at the end of the day that’s what TT is all about.
‘We’ve also got FamMannGaming joining us in our Retro Games area. They’ve got their TT simulator, Nintendo switch ft. 2023 TT Game, Infinity games tables and retro arcade machines.’
The Retro Games area will be on the upper colonnade, next to another new addition from Three Legs Golf, nine holes of bespoke TT related obstacles.
Meanwhile, Roadskin will be taking over one of the beers, to bring a Roadskin IPA.
The Speciality Bar will be serving island drinks and spirit companies: The Fynoderee, Outlier Distillery, Seven Kingdom Distillery, Paralto and Far Shore Merchants, the creators of Peggy’s Rum.
‘They have been working hard to create delicious cocktails for us, so there’s something for everyone at Bushy’s,’ Ella said.
Caterers include The Green Gingo, Supreme Catering, Douglas Pizza Co, Street Kitchen, Yum Yum and Sneaky Pete’s.
And retailers include Uggly & Co, Roadskin, Boredroom, Totally Wicked and Manx Nostalgia.
A range of island musicians will be taking to the Orsted stage each evening. See right for the full line-up.
‘Our band line-up is something we put a lot of time and thought into,’ Ella said.
‘It’s all local, talented musicians that we are proud to have on the Orsted stage. It’s always such a difficult task to filter through the waves of talent that the island has to offer.
‘We have bands that make Bushy’s who we are today, who play year after year. They are really important to us and our brand, and a lot of them only get together to play for us which is really special.
‘In terms of new artists, we are inundated with requests to play every year. We have to sit and look at who is free for what days, and what acts complement each other for each day.
‘If we could give everyone the opportunity to play we would, but there are simply too many amazing bands and solo artists on the island to accommodate for that.’
Bushy’s TT Village opens its doors on Thursday next week at 5pm. It will then be open each day from midday to midnight, until Saturday, June 10.
Ella said: ‘Preparations are going well. We’ve got an amazing team of contractors ready to start building the festival.
‘It’s a massive undertaking but us here at Key Bar Events have done this year after year.
‘We want to say a massive thank you to the Villa Marina for having us back, and to all of our contractors and staff for helping us bring the community together for another year of TT madness.’
Entry costs £3 on the door, and you’ll get a wristband if you re-enter.
Ella said: ‘This entry fee is something we’ve had to do as costs for everything have dramatically increased for us. £3 is the same price as a cup of coffee, and we want to keep the village affordable for all yet sustainable for us amidst our rising set up costs.
‘We are keeping our Bushy’s Ale the same price as 2022 to help keep Bushy’s accessible to all.’
Children are allowed into Bushy’s until 9pm, if accompanied by a responsible adult.
Dogs are also allowed in until 9pm, but owners are asked to clean up after them and are reminded it can get very busy and loud so should plan accordingly.
Renewable energy firm Orsted are the main event sponsor this year.
The full line-up
- Thursday, June 1: Drop Kick The Fish, 6pm; Oceans Avenue, 8pm; Buncha Skankers, 10pm.
- Friday, June 2: Teresa Mculty, 4pm; Foxtrap, 6pm; Persian Doormats, 8pm; Looney & The Vikings, 10pm.
- Saturday, June 3: Alex Harris, 4pm; The Getaways, 6pm; Maldune, 8pm; Harvey Mushman, 10pm.
- Sunday June 4: Totally 80s, 6pm; Klevershirts, 8pm; 995, 10pm.
- Monday,June 5: Francesca May, 4pm; Barefoot Revolution, 6pm; Manxical Mystery Tour, 8pm; Parallel Lines, 10pm.
- Tuesday, June 6: The Bat Fastards, 4pm; Ian Thompson Band, 6pm; No One Died, 8pm; Switch, 10pm.
- Wednesday, June 7: Nash & Bean, 4pm; Mother Funkers, 6pm; Mae Challis, 8pm; Voodoo Bandits, 10pm.
- Thursday, June 8: Teresa McNulty, 4pm; The Shedmen, 6pm; The Boneyard, 8pm; 3 Million, 10pm.
- Friday, June 9: Jamie Blackburn, 4pm; Francesca May, 6pm; Sunset Jet, 8pm; Fireball, 10pm.
- Saturday, June 10: Alex Harris, 4pm; Foxtrap, 6pm; Brooken Rooster, 8pm; Buncha Skankers, 10pm.