TT marshals will be allowed into Manx National Heritage attractions for free.

Free entry will be provided to attractions such as the Laxey Wheel and Cregneash village.

Marshals for both the TT and the Festival of Motorcycling will not be charged admission between May 22 and September 10, on presentation of a valid identity card.

Edmund Southworth, director of Manx National Heritage, said: ’Motorsport has become an intrinsic part of the Isle of Man’s heritage and culture, and events could not go ahead without the dedicated and hard-working team of marshals who volunteer to help make sure racing can be run.

’As a small token of our appreciation, anyone who signs up as a marshal for Isle of Man TT or Festival of Motorcycling will receive free entry to Manx National Heritage sites on presentation of their identity card. This recognises the contribution the marshals make to the TT and Festival of Motorcycling, two events which have become an iconic part of our heritage and culture.’

Robert Crane, chairman of the Isle of Man TT Marshals’ Association said: ’It takes 500 members of the Isle of Man TT Marshals’ Association to cover the famous 37-and-three-quarter-mile circuit, with marshals being responsible for maintaining safe spaces within racing areas, providing emergency aid if required and much more beyond this.

’The marshals’ dedication and enthusiasm is second to none and without their contribution the racing events across the island would not be able to take place so this recognition is much appreciated and is part of a wider programme to develop a rewards programme of benefits for marshals.

’Hopefully the provision of free entry to Manx National Heritage sites will encourage marshals to explore some of the incredible heritage attractions the Isle of Man has to offer in their spare time.’

Rob Callister MHK, the politician at the Department of Economic Development responsible for tourism and motorsport, said: ’The marshals of the TT and Festival of Motorcycling are integral to the success of the events and their continued support and contribution is invaluable. I am delighted that we are able to provide a token of our appreciation, while showcasing the Island’s vivid history and special motorsport exhibitions being arranged by Manx National Heritage this year.’

During the TT period, Manx National Heritage will host a range of motorsport related events and activities including ’Super 10 - Mick Grant, the TT years’, a retrospective exhibition at the Manx Museum bringing together motorcycles, memorabilia and previously unseen photographs from Mick Grant’s collection.

Ian Hutchinson will sign copies of his autobiography ’Miracle Man’ at the Manx Museum on June 2 at 1pm.

Vintage film screenings of the TT Races, featuring the first 100mph will feature on in the Manx Museum Film Theatre and daily TT themed show and tell sessions will take place at the Manx Museum.

Manx National Heritage’s limited edition TT pin badge will also be available again this year, enabling pin holders to receive free admission to MNH sites for the duration of the TT festival, Southern 100 Races and Festival of Motorcycling.

Pin badges cost £10 and will be available from Manx Museum, Laxey Wheel, House of Manannan and other Manx National Heritage sites.