TT is here and with practice week underway the island is braced for a busy two weeks of adrenaline-fuelled entertainment.

While some residents look forward to the influx of visitors and the extra entertainment on offer others see the festival as something to be avoided and will escape the island until it’s over.

We spoke to members of the public to get their thoughts on the island’s biggest annual event, which brings in thousands of people from across the globe.

’I do love it,’ said Tabitha Templer, 17, from Santon. ’The island’s not got anything else like it - it’s a crazy two weeks where the Isle of Man isn’t the Isle of Man. It’s the first TT we can go out and enjoy and actually watch the races because we’ve finished our exams.’

Her friend, Caoimhe Wilson, 18, from Ballasalla, said: ’We’re working at Bushy’s and it’s our first time so we’re excited and a bit nervous.

’The island changes so much. There’s so many people because those who are at university have finished and also come over. Everyone’s so happy.’ Tabitha added: ’For such a small island, you hear the TT being talked about everywhere.’

Elizabeth and Peter Helsby, 82 and 81, from Bearsden in Scotland, last went to the TT nearly 40 years ago and were back again to celebrate ahead of their 60th wedding anniversary.

’We came over with our sones to watch the TT in 1976. It was the last time we visited the island,’ said Peter.

Elizabeth said: ’The boys loved it! We also brought my parents over too. I started visiting the island with my parents just after the war. They used to come to the TT many moons ago.’

Peter, who once worked in the island, said: ’I’ve always been a bike nut. We went on our honeymoon on a bike. My personal favourites are the classic bikes, the 50s and 60s machines.’

Olwen Maurer, 57, recently moved across to live in Douglas. She said: ’It will be the first time I will experience the TT. Some of the younger people say that they’re excited for me, for the experience I’ll have. They say once it’s all over it’s like the island goes dead, which will be interesting seeing the contrast. Some people either really like the TT or residents go off the island for it.

’I look forward to soaking up the atmosphere and learning all the jargon for the races. The roads should also be interesting to navigate during it.’

Ray Dixon, 67, from Douglas, said: ’I’m really looking forward to it. I came to the TT for my 40th anniversary. I’ll be 67 in June and I’ve not missed one since then.’

He particularly likes the atmosphere, as well as the bikes. ’The big superbikes - I just love them and I was a fan of Bushy’s TT Village last year,’ he said. ’My wife runs a B&B. We’ve got people coming who’ve been 20 years staying with us.’

John Hills, 72, from Glen Chass, said: ’The TT is superb!

’I think it’s something the Isle of Man should really utilise in every way possible. Even with little things like the Steam Packet showing the races and other events that happen here. Look at the programme on ITV News that show the races, but what else is happening in the island.

’My experience is that there is so much going on and it’s amazing what happens here.’