What is Tynwald Day on the Isle of Man?
Tynwald Fair Day, held annually on old midsummer’s day* in July is the Isle of Man’s national day and is the occasion of the Tynwald Midsummer Court. The Members of Tynwald – the Manx parliament – meet at St John’s village in the west of the Island for the ceremony, a legal requirement established by the Island’s ninth century rulers. The name comes from Thing-Vollr, the Norse for parliament field. Tynwald Court, together with the Island’s senior public officer-holders, assembles on Tynwald Hill – a four tiered hill in the centre of St John’s, reputed to be constructed from sods of earth from every parish. The open air sitting at Tynwald Hill dates back more than 1,000 years. During the ceremony, the Deemsters (the Isle of Man’s High Court judges) promulgate Acts of Tynwald by proclaiming to the people in English and Manx Gaelic the titles of new laws which have been passed during the year. It is also an opportunity for Island residents to exercise their ancient right to present a peti
