Top comic set for 2010 Isle of Man TT

Motorcycle fan and leading comedian Ross Noble has confirmed he will attend the 2010 Isle of Man TT, to perform and watch the racing.

He is the first major act to be announced for a revamped entertainment programme to run alongside the festival this year. Last year's TT was panned by critics because of a lack of entertainment for fans away from the circuit.

Noble, recently voted into the top 10 greatest stand-up comedians in a poll by Channel 4, will appear at the Villa Marina in Douglas on Thursday, June 3.

It isn't the funnyman's first trip to the Isle of Man. He performed there in 2009, and also took the opportunity to experience an open-roads lap of the legendary Mountain Circuit

Noble is well known as a bike fan, frequently taking part in track days. He has followed the TT on television, but said he is keen to see the racing live.

"It was an amazing experience playing on the Isle of Man last year and we had a lot of fun with a great audience."

"It was also fantastic to get a chance to follow in the footsteps of so many legendary riders and do a few laps of the course. I'm really looking forward to mixing with the bike fans and seeing the races live this year."

More entertainment is due to be announced soon for the 2010 TT, which runs from May 29 to June 11. The organisers have already promised a star-studded and action-packed line-up, featuring performances by leading bands, a film festival, extreme sports, stunt shows and air displays.

Fans have also been promised opportunities to meet and greet their heroes during the festival, which will also see celebrations of Suzuki's 50th anniversary of involvement in the TT.

Isle of Man Tourism and Leisure Minister Martyn Quayle said:

"This is the first in a series of announcements that we'll be making about the TT 2010 Festival. We can promise that there will be loads for fans to see and do on the Island in 2010 and we look forward to welcoming our visitors for an exciting festival."