Tynwald Day celebrated on Isle of Man

Credit: itv granada

Today's the National Day of the Isle of Man, otherwise known as Tynwald Day

It's the only day when the Manx parliament is held on Tynwald Hill in St John's, and the public can lobby lawmakers by presenting petitions.

Traditionally the day was marked with a fair but nowadays it's a much bigger event with concerts, family ceildh, firework displays, stalls and displays.

Three fascinating facts about Tynwald Day.

  • The Manx parliament - meet on Tynwald Hill in St Johns, for a ceremony, a legal requirement established by the Island's ninth century rulers. The hill is said to have been built by the Vikings and to contain soil from each of the 17 island parishes.

  • The island's national herb is usually worn by Manx residents and officials, with a Head of State in attendance - previous Heads include Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, Princess Anne, and many others.

  • The Isle of Man's parliament, is of Norse (Viking) origin and has existed on the island for more than 1,000 years, making it the oldest parliament in the world with an unbroken existence.