The Classic TT presented by Bennetts is set to burst into life on Friday 25th August with the now traditional ‘Paddock Carnival’ at the TT Grandstand ahead of the evening’s final qualifying session and the two race days on Saturday 26th and Monday 28th August.
Eight time TT Race winner Charlie Williams will be the host for the day, which will feature upbeat music from local Jazz combo the Manx Jazz Aces and fifties tribute band ‘The Blue Jays’, who will be performing two shows on the purpose built stage behind the grandstand.
The packed line up, which is free to attend, will also include regular appearances throughout the day from Graeme Hardy who will be performing his uncanny George Formby tribute, complete with ‘Shuttleworth Snap’.
The stage behind the grandstand will also play host to a series of chat shows with motorcycling legends who will be on the Island for the Classic TT including twenty three time TT race winner John McGuinness who will be updating fans on his recovery from injury earlier in the year.
The Team Obsolete crew and Steve Plater will be talking about their upcoming Honda 6 parade lap, while a man inextricably linked to the Honda 6 – six time world champion Jim Redman MBE, will be on hand to share his experiences of racing the bike.
Other notable guests appearing include Stuart Graham, the 1967 50cc TT race winner, who also raced the Honda 6 as a teammate of Mike Hailwood.Current TT stars Dean Harrison, James Hillier, Josh Brookes, Lee Johnston and Michael Dunlop will also be appearing in the chat show during the day, previewing their Classic TT Races ahead of Saturday’s first race day.
The Purple Helmets stunt show will be bringing their riotous antics to pit lane with their heady mixture of the spectacular and farcical while Bruce Anstey has been known to join their ranks for guest appearances.
Visitors to the Classic TT celebrations will have the chance to enjoy the spectacular Concours d’Elegance, which will be held in Nobles Park, with both cars and bikes on display.
Categories include ‘Best Racing Motorcycle and Best Classic and Vintage Road Motorcycle as well as three categories for cars - pre 1946, 1946-68 and 1969-86). Anyone wishing to enter should bring their machine to the grandstand from 12 noon on Friday.The evening’s entertainment will be winding down with an outdoor screening of TT3D: Closer to the Edge in the paddock at the ‘Sundown Cinema.’
