A top highlight for Manx residents is the multitude of nationalities that enrich the island during the TT festival.

But what do our guests love most about the annual motorcycling event and the Isle of Man? The Examiner visited the TT Grandstand in Douglas to find out.

’It’s my first time here,’ said Susanne Kahlenberg who is originally from Germany, but has travelled from Australia where she now lives.

’I’ve always wanted to come and watch the TT. This trip is my birthday present. I’ve just turned 50.’

Both she and her friend Sabine Kanneer, aged 53 from Germany, have met up to see the races together.

’Hopefully we’ll be here at the Grandstand for two days to watch the races. I’m very excited about it!’ she added. ’We’re also going to take the bus around the island and explore it.’

Ricky Harman, 56, from Newcastle, said: ’I’ve been coming to the TT for six years. I was told by my friends "once you come over that’s it, you’ll be back for more".’

Ricky has brought his friend Bryan Quantrall, 66, from Newcastle along this year.

’It’s my first time at the TT,’ said Bryan. ’I love it. I’ve brought my car and he’s got a bike. We’ve been all over and he’s shown me the best advantage points for the races. We went to Peel for a kipper bap and an ice cream and we’re staying at the Mannin Hotel in Douglas. They have lovely rooms.’

Ricky added: ’I like that we’ve met Australians, Canadians and others just by sitting here. I love the whole island. We love the views, they’re spectacular and the weather’s been exceptional this year.’

A man from Wigan, Greater Manchester, with a fitting name for the races - Shaun Ridings - is over for his second TT.

’I like seeing the motorbikes and I like the atmosphere, the local people and the people who come and visit. Everything really.’

The 48-year-old’s favourite spot to watch the bikes is near Kate’s Cottage before the Creg-Ny-Baa pub and restaurant.

’I’ve been to the island before as my friend Dave, who I’ve known for a long time, lives here. It’s cheap lodgings for me to come and watch the TT,’ he laughed.

Udo Hamacher, aged 55, who lives near Cologne in Germany has travelled with his companion Jasmin, aged 60.

’This is the fifth time we’ve come. I love the races. It’s fast and special because it’s very famous and the island is beautiful.

’The people are lovely and it’s a great place to be. We came here in 2010 and every two years we visit.

’I’ve a bike with me. The roads here are a bit different to the roads in Germany. Some of the streets are a little bit small, but it’s good.’

Raymond Malloy, aged 41, from Galway, said: ’This is my first year. There’s about 24 of us over for about six days. Some of them have been before. We’re all big into races over in Ireland, but I’d never been to the TT here. It’s a lot bigger, the roads are nice.

’The TT is a lot nicer in person than on screen. It looks good on TV, but I’ve been looking to come over for years, but never did. We’re at a campsite near St John’s and have been to watch the practice races in Ballig.

’I’ll definitely come back.’