TT charities are set to benefit from a special cake baked to mark the Centenary of the Isle of Man road races.
And the stunning cake will be on show - and on sale - when TT on the Prom bursts into life tonight.
Catering students at the Isle of Man College have produced a giant cake to celebrate the TT’s birthday. It features the Isle of Man, including an outline of the world-famous TT course, motorbikes and a special message.
A team of three level three NVQ students and one level two NVQ student, ably led by bakery and patisserie lecturer Kelvin McNicholl planned and produced the 1,000-portion cake.
Sarah Brophy, Helen Lyndsay, Paul Thomson and Michael Quine worked together, using 4.5kg of butter, sugar and flour, 60 eggs and 18kg of mixed fruit, as well as 10kg of marzipan and sugar paste to complete the task.
The birthday cake will be publicly unveiled tonight, during the opening ceremony for PokerStars TT on the Prom.
The beautiful work of catering art will then be sliced up and pieces sold to the public for a minimum donation of just £1. Some slices, featuring some of the incredible icing creations that adorn the cake, will fetch higher prices.
Money raised during the cake sale will be divided between four important charities – the Rob Vine Fund, the TT Riders’ Association, the Joey Dunlop Foundation and the TT Supporters’ Club.
The opening ceremony will also feature a huge celebration of the behind-the-scenes heroes of the TT.
It is hoped hundreds of the people will join a specially organised parade along Harris Promenade, Douglas.
As the Centenary of the racing is celebrated, along with the heroic riders who have built the TT’s reputation, it is important not to forget the contribution of those people who work long, unsociable hours – many as volunteers – making sure the practice and race sessions run smoothly.
The parade is intended to pay tribute to those behind the scenes today, and remember those who dedicated their time and energy to the TT since its first running in 1907.
The Boy Scouts who operate the start line scoreboard, and are also marking the centenary of Scouting this year, will be among those taking part.
Members of the police, fire service and medical services will be there, as will representatives of many of the charities which contribute so much to the TT – including supporting medical facilities and accommodation for injured riders.
It is hoped some leading TT competitors and teams will be on hand to applaud the efforts of these essential people.
The parade is due to start at 10.30pm, to allow for the evening practice session.
Subject to the smooth running of that session, it is hoped some 600 marshals, scrutineers, time keepers, travelling marshals and others without whom none of the on-track action could happen will join the celebration.
Any marshals who would like to take part should turn up tonight.