July 5
Tynwald Day is the national holiday of the Isle of Man, which dates back more than 1000 years to when the Vikings settled on this picturesque island in the Irish Sea. This celebration is deeply intertwined with the ancient history and cultural traditions of the local people.
The name "Tynwald" derives from the Old Norse "Þingvǫllr," meaning "assembly field." In those times, Vikings gathered on a hill near present-day St. John's to discuss important matters and make judicial decisions. Since then, Tynwald Hill has become a sacred place for the locals.
Today, Tynwald Day is a vibrant celebration that combines ancient traditions with modern entertainment. The central event is the opening ceremony of the annual session of the Isle of Man's parliament (Tynwald), held atop Tynwald Hill near St. John's.
What Happens on Tynwald Day?
The Isle of Man festival begins with a religious ceremony at the Royal Chapel of St. John's Cathedral. After this, Tynwald members proceed in a solemn procession to Tynwald Hill, one of the traditional open-air sites of the original Viking parliament.
The ceremony is led by the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, representing King Charles III. In 2024, this will be Sir John Lorimer. Part of the ceremony is conducted in the Manx language, and part in English. Atop Tynwald Hill, the President of Tynwald, dressed in a robe and tricorn hat, reads the royal proclamation of thanks.
Afterwards, Tynwald members return to St. John's Chapel for the annual Tynwald sitting, where new laws are passed and amendments to existing laws are made. A special grandstand is set up for spectators to watch the ceremony.
After the official part, the festivities continue with folk celebrations, featuring music and dance performances, fairs, games, and competitions. Manx songs and melodies will be heard everywhere, and islanders in national costumes will demonstrate traditional crafts and culinary delights.
How to Get to St. John's
St. John's is the capital and largest city of the Isle of Man, where the main Tynwald Day celebrations take place. You can get there by various means:
- By plane: The nearest airport is the Isle of Man Airport, located 16 km from St. John's. From there, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car.
- By ferry: Regular ferry services connect the Isle of Man with Liverpool, Dublin, and Belfast. After arriving at the port of Douglas, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to St. John's (about 25 km).
- By car: If you plan to travel around the UK by car, you can drive to one of the ports from where ferries to the Isle of Man depart.
Trip Planning and Accommodation
For a convenient visit to the celebration, it is recommended to book accommodation in St. John's or its surroundings in advance. Popular options include small hotels, guest houses, and campsites. During the festive days, they are usually fully booked, so it is better to make reservations in advance.
Also, plan your meals in advance. Numerous cafes and restaurants offering local cuisine will operate in St. John's and on the festival grounds. However, queues are possible in crowded places, so you might want to bring snacks and drinks.
In addition to the main festivities in St. John's, interesting events will take place throughout the island. We highly recommend reviewing the holiday program in advance so as not to miss the most exciting events.
Tynwald Day is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the distinctive culture of the Isle of Man, feel the spirit of ancient history, and become part of a colorful celebration with centuries-old traditions. Visit this grand event and create unforgettable memories!