Isle of Man events

The Isle of Man is a small island in the Irish Sea, in between England and Ireland. Although it is a small island, it attracts visitors worldwide to attend and compete in the wide range of events that the island holds.

Motorsports

The T.T.The Isle of Man is renowned for the T.T. and its no speed limits. The T.T. is it's major event attracting a world-wide audience and an extensive media coverage. Every year at the end of May and beginning of June the Island becomes a massive festival with racing in the day and an amazing range of entertainment in the night. The T.T. motorbike event attracts so many people because of the risks involved. With no speed limit on open roads around a beautiful but dangerous island it creates a thrill seeking event which competitors and spectators don't want to miss.

Jurby South Road Races and Jurby South National Road RacesOn May 17, 2008, the annual Jurby South Road Race will occur. This event is a series of short motorcycle races over a 4.25 miles in a circuit. These races have a massed start and include events for National and Clubman's Licence holders. On July 12, 2008, the annual Jurby South National Road race will run. This is a National level event on the same circuit as above. This event is an important successor to the Southern 100 races and a number of riders and spectators stay on for this event. Although the races have a massed start, it is restricted to the National Licence holders.

The International VMCC TT RallyThis rally is held during TT Week. It is a motorcycle event that lasts six days and is organised to take place on non-race days.

Douglas Beach RaceThis motorcycle race is held on Douglas Foreshore during TT week. The bikes race over huge man made sandcastles. The Beach Race attracts huge crowds because of the thrills and dangers the riders face.

The Ramsey SprintHeld this year on June 1 and 3, 2008 and on August 28, 2008. The Ramsey Sprint has been run since 1978 and is one of the biggest events outside the T.T. races. It regularly attracts crowds of 20,000 and above. The Classic Sprint is held this year on August 28, 2008.

Manx Classic Weekend TrialThe Manx Classic Weekend Trial is described by riders and spectators as the best of its type in Europe. The route takes in some of the most spectacular scenery on the Island. The premier sections are for expert riders and the Clubman sections for those who just want an enjoyable weekends sport. This event is to be held on August 30-31, 2008. [http://www.manxtrials.com]

Formula 2 Stockcar Manx Open F2 TTThe stockcar racing is a contact motorsport where the more experienced drivers start at the rear of each race. They have a set number of laps to make their way to the front, using their bumper to push their opponents aside. This event attracts large numbers to watch the dangerous, contact car racing around a circuit. Held on a 400 meter tarmac oval. Visiting drivers from the UK and Europe are welcome. Held on July 21, 24, 26 and the August 11 and 14, 2008. [http://www.onchanraceway.com]

The Manx Two Day TrialThe Manx National Two Day Trial is for solo and sidecar competitions. The event covers all areas of the Island over two days. The event caters for modern and older machinery. One of the biggest and best Trials in Europe with two full days of Off Road endeavour. This year it is being held on August 23 and 24, 2008. [http://www.manx2day.com]

The VMCC Manx RallyA week of events for vintage motorcycle enthusiasts, centred on the Manx GP Week. Enable our members to use and enjoy their classic and vintage machines whilst providing an entertainment backdrop for the race, particularly the post race parades of 200+ classic machines. Held this year from August 23-30, 2008. [http://www.vmccmanxrally.co.uk]

Coastal events

Round the Island Yacht RaceHeld on May 4, 2008. The Round the Island Yacht Race is a large event that is held every year. They race anti-clockwise around the Island. Although this is a competitive sport there is also a full social programme. The participants compete for a chance to win a trophy but also to be awarded PY handicap points. [http://www.msandcc.org]

Ramsey Angling FestivalThe Ramsey Angling Festival includes a series of beach fishing competitions held over the weekend. Held annually, this year it will be from May 15-18, 2008. The event also includes the Penn Sea League Competition and there is prize money for the top 10. It is held on the North of the Island. [http://www.ramseyanglingclub.com]

Mannin Angling Club FestivalThe event consists of two shore and five boat fishing competitions. Boat competitions are classed in two categories: private and charter. Held this year from July 26 - August 1, 2008.

Sport events

The Isle of Man Walking FestivalThe Summer Walking Festival from June 23-27, 2008 is a very important event to the Island as it shows some of the best kept secrets. This secrets are the views which can only be found by foot. The Isle of Man has some of the most varied landscapes - austere moorland, lush valleys, wooded glens, sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. Through experienced guides, you can discover this Island and find out intriguing information including our fascinating mix of Celtic and Viking heritage. On your visit you also have the opportunities to sample some of the Island's arts, folklore and cuisine. There is also a full social programme of evening entertainment. [http://www.visitisleofman.com]

Adventure Week and Weekend FestivalThis festival is outdoor based and is held this year August 14-18, 2008. A very popular event where families, couples and activity enthusiasts can come over and get themselves involved. Activities include sea kayaking, coasteering, rock climbing, diving, sailing. Novice intermediate and advanced levels catered for fantastic social and guest instructors from all over the world. The festival in fun-packed for everyone and even includes live music and evening entertainment. [http://www.KAYAK.im/] [http://www.adventurousexperiences.com]

Whit Hockey FestivalThe ethos of the festival is: to have fun, socialise, dress up and to provide hockey on a non-competitive basis. This festival if for teams and companies to have a breather and to have a team-based fun. It is open to men, ladies and mixed players and teams of all standards, where teams can take part in as many or few games as they wish, on grass or Astro-turf. This year the festival is being held from May 23-27, 2008. [http://www.isleofmanhockey.com]

The Crown Green Bowls FestivalsDuring the events calendar there are two bowls competitions: the June Festival and the September Festival. [http://www.visitisleofman.com]

The Parish Walk

Isle of Man Dance Festival

End to End Mountain Bike ChallengeOn September 14, 2008 in the Isle of Man there will be a mountain bike challenge from one end of the island to the other. It takes in a variety of terrains and requires different skills to complete the event. 75km in total, the riders require a certain level of fitness and also need a high level of skill to complete for honours. [http://www.manxe2e.org]

Manx Mountain MarathonThis Marathon is a 31 mile fell race that takes competitors from Ramsey in the North of the Island to Port Erin in the South. The course is mostly on fells and country and visits all the major hill summits. The race is one of athletics ultimate challenges covering 31 miles of difficult, rugged terrain as it visits the Isle of Man's major peaks. The date this year is the 22nd March 2008. [http://www.manxfellrunners.org]

Isle of Man Easter AthleticsA three day festival of athletics held at various parts of the Island over the Easter weekend. The event attracts adult competitors of all abilities from club and universities throughout the UK. A 10k road race is held on Good Friday, Peel Hill Race on Easter Saturday and a 4 x 5k road relay on Douglas Promenade on Easter Sunday. The event culminates with the prize presentation and a party on Easter Sunday Evening. This will be held on March 21-23, 2008. [http://www.easterfestival.info]

IOM Sports Club ChallengeA series of sporting events aimed at club members, not elite players. The S.C.C.S now incorporates the student weekend and up to two other events (netball + squash). The number of sports may expand in the future. We are hoping to add either basketball or golf later. It will be held from April 25-27, 2008. [http://www.iomsportschallenge.com]

Isle of Man Marathon and half Marathon RaceThe full marathon and half marathon road races - on a quiet, scenic and rural course - starting and finishing in Ramsey. Medals, t-shirts and goody bags to all finishers. Free buffet lunch is provided. Trophies are awarded to the first three in all age groups. This year the event will be held on August 10, 2008. [http://www.iomvac.co.uk]

NBC Basketball CampThe Basketball Camp is a week long event providing basketball and life skills coaching for youngsters between the ages of 10 and 19. We encourage parents to attend parts of the camp throughout the week. This year the event is held from August 11-15, 2008. [http://www.nbccamps.com]

Specialist events

;The Spring Darts Festival"'The Isle of Man's International Darts Festival is held annually and this year the dates are from March 7-9, 2008. More than 800 competitors took part in last year's event for a chance to win some of the £20,000 prize cash fund. The competitors confided that the most important part of the event to them was the World Federation Points and the B.D.O. Invitation Tables, Category A. [http://www.isleofmandarts.com]

;Ramsey Dog Training Club - Open Obedience and Agility Shows"'The Ramsey Dog Open Obedience Show and the Ramsey Dog Agility Show are run by the Ramsey Dog Training Club who pride themselves on maintaining a friendly, relaxed atmosphere while upholding the competitive edge expected from any UK agility show. These are classes for everyone over the two days from the complete newcomer to the seasoned competitor. The Obedience Show will be held July 12-13, 2008 then the Agility show will be held on 19-20 July, 2008. [http://www.ramseydtc.org]

;Manx Model Meet"'Gathering of model aircraft flyers for a club event on Jurby airfield. The event welcomes participants and spectators to compete and view the exciting aircraft competition. Held this year from June 25 - July 9, 2008. [http://www.Manx-modelflyers.org]

;Isle of Man Bridge Congress"'From September 12-14, 2008 the Bridge Congress will take place. The congress is a duplicate bridge competition which forms part of the English Bridge Union's calendar of events. Its small size makes it ideal for club players who are new to congress events.

;IOM International Jazz Festival"'The Isle of Man's International Jazz Festival at the Hilton Hotel, Douglas will be held from September 19-21, 2008. It is presented by the Manx Jazz Club. Featured are leading professional musicians and jazz bands. The music will vary from traditional to main stream jazz.

;IOM Chess Tournament"'An international chess event attracting top chess players from all over the world has been held in late September in Port Erin for the past 16 years (1992-2007). However, the 2008 event is as yet unconfirmed.

;Isle of Man Festival of Pool - British Open The Isle of Man Festival of Pool/British Open Pool would see pool players of all ages, male or female and from all parts of the UK and Éire as well as players from France, Spain and other European countries attending the festival. It will be held from September 26 - October 4, 2008. [http://www.ispscotland.co.uk]

;Manx Model Boat Festival"'