The TT is the busiest time of year for our little rock with crowds coming from around the globe to catch a piece of the action.

This adrenaline-fuelled event causes a bit of a shake up to the island’s regular pattern of life with thousands of visitors bringing along a range of culture and bikes, as well as road closures, bus route changes, the fair and beer tents.

With all this in mind, what do residents and visitors really think about it all?

Pete Lumb, aged 64, said: ’I like the sheer bang of when the island turns into this busy metropolis of different people from many nations.

’It’s a very healthy thing for an island to have.’

The Maughold resident, however, isn’t a huge fan of the racing.

’I’m more of a mountain-biker really. I find it more healthy to go fast on a push bike than on a motorbike.’

Philip Koenes, 31, Ton Ruiter, 66, and Wieb Koenes have come to the island from Leiden in Holland

Ton said: ’This is my 22nd year at the TT. I used be a passenger in the sidecar races, but in the Euro Challenge, and so I know a few of the guys who race here like Tim Reeves.

’I do think the TT was better around 2002 to 2008. It’s become a lot more commercial now.’

Brothers, Wieb and Philip have been watching the motorcycling event for the last three to five years.

’We’ve come over because of him,’ Wieb laughed while pointing at the loyal TT fan Ton.

’I like seeing the island,’ he added.

All three are not bothered about the Bushy’s beer tent.

’But I really like that cafe that’s on the top of a hill,’ said Philip.

Wieb replied: ’That was Niarbyl. Yeah, we like it there.’

Marie Wilson, over-50, from Ballasalla, said: ’I like people being over here and seeing visitors and residents happy.

’I’m not a major bike fan, but I love the atmosphere and understand how people put the effort in to come over.

’To please visitors is most important. It’s nice to have a variety of entertainment, but heavy metal bands aren’t really my thing,’ she laughed.

Douglas resident Jocelyn Horne said: ’I love the TT.

’I come from a racing family, they race in the Manx Grand Prix, so we’re always out watching the bikes.

’I love the atmosphere and I think the fair on Douglas Promenade is great for the kids, but I do think it was better when it was in Noble’s Park.’

Friends Molly Wooton, 18, from Glen Vine and Courtney Paradise, 21, from Colby both enjoy the entertainment side of the TT.

’Bushy’s is my favourite thing during TT,’ said Molly.

’I like the atmosphere and the people and the booze.’

Courtney continued: ’I like we’ve got two different beer tents this year.

’They’re pushing each other to make it better. I think an improvement to Bushy’s was needed.’

When asked what she particularly likes about the beer tent, she said: ’Literally everyone in the island coming together.

’You see everyone you know there.’

One thing she dislikes during the TT is the fair.

’I think it’s unsafe,’ she explained.