For this week’s Word on the Street feature we spoke to the public about the TT and asked if they were missing it after it was cancelled again this year.

Marilyn Bolton, of Douglas, claimed she missed the ambience the event created.

She said: ’I’m missing it terribly.

’I just love everything about it, the whole lot. It’s always a fantastic atmosphere.’

The 69-year-old worked on the scoreboards during the races for 20 years.

She added: ’I love bikes, I used to be on the scoreboards and I know the Scouts will miss it as well.

’I just miss everybody coming over and getting to know people. I got to know lots of people over that 20 years, made lots of friends.’

Rory Murphy, from Port St Mary, missed the leisure activities that usually accompany the races.

He said: ’I am missing the buzz and the vibe, the entertainment we usually have and the beer tent.’

The 35-year-old is not as big a fan of the races.

He added: ’I prefer Formula One to be honest, so not so much two wheels, more four.’

When asked what he wasn’t missing, Rory said he wasn’t keen on the number of visitors.

’I think it can be really busy and people go out and get really drunk around TT, so I wouldn’t say I’m really missing that,’ he said.

Rory continued: ’Although, I work for an outdoor clothing company so we would love the extra trade, I think there has been a difference in the figures.’

Reverend Janice Ward and David Ward from Marown, also miss the ’buzz’ of the island.

Janice, aged 55, said: ’The overall atmosphere of the island, it lifts things and it gives that added dimension.

’The church does attract lots of people and there’s a real buzz.’

David, 58, added: ’I think it’s something you need to gear yourself up for, it’s part of what it’s all about.’

Having seen two years of TT races cancelled, the couple were unsure of the certainties of next year.

’I suppose last year we thought it’ll be OK because next year it’ll be fine.

’Now the reality of the whole pandemic situation is that it’s not going to go easily away. I suppose in the back of your mind you’re thinking "oh dear, is next year even the certainty that we were hoping for?",’ Janice said.

She continued: ’You’re hopeful that things will be sorted but if we’re realistic and see that it doesn’t just depend on what’s happening here or with our closer neighbours but an international event that relies on what’s happening in so many other countries.’

David pointed out what the week would have been like had the races gone ahead.

’This week half the race days would have been wiped out by the fog,’ he added.

Jason Campbell, aged 24, and Carly May, 36, miss the tourism brought to the island.

Jason, from Douglas, who used to work as a steward, said: ’I think without the tourism, the island just isn’t the same really.’

He had been up to the grandstand a few days before and said it ’didn’t seem right’ that the TT wasn’t there.

’The grandstand is always full. It’s always a happy place. People enjoy going to see the bikes and to see the riders at the grandstand.’

Carly has always loved the racing.

She said: ’My mum lives on the course so we absolutely love it.

’Senior race day’s my favourite.’