2021 Isle of Man TT cancelled

According to Manx Radio, the island’s Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly said that the “early and logical decision has been taken to provide certainty and clarity” and to protect residents and visitors alike. It will be the first time since the Second World War that the races have been cancelled for consecutive years.

For local hospitality and tourism businesses, this news will come as a huge blow, with the festival contributing an estimated £30 million to the Manx economy each year. Schemes designed to help the industry will be in place until April 30^th, with loans available to relieve the immediate financial pressure of refunding bookings for the event. Ferry passengers will be able to apply for a full refund or transfer their bookings to 2022, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company revealed.

The fates of the 2021 Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix, which are due to take place in August, still hang in the balance, with a final decision promised by the end of March.