Isle of Man TT sees rise in visitor numbers

The Isle of Man TT festival was the busiest in a decade outside of its centenary year, according to the Island's ferry service.

Ferry passenger figures show a 4.3% rise in visitors and a 3.4% increase in motorcycles compared to last year.

The festival saw 35,172 passengers and 11,237 motorcycles travel to the Island on ferries between 23 May and 8 June.

It is the highest in 10 years, excluding the festival's centenary event in 2007.

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said motorbikes was "the best indicator" of TT visitors.

He said: "What is really encouraging is that since 2009 the passenger numbers have increased by 16.7%, with motorbike numbers up 13.5%.

"This year has seen the highest number of bikes carried for 10 years, other than for the festival's centenary year."