Celebrating 'everyone coming together' on Tynwald Day

Tynwald Day has been hailed a celebration of "togetherness" and "Manxness", with families, visitors and politicians praising the Isle of Man's national day for bringing communities together.

Thousands gathered at St John's on Monday to watch the ancient open-air ceremony on Tynwald Hill.

The day also brings together politicians, members of the clergy and judiciary, captains of the parish, coroners, local authority representatives, and invited dignitaries.

Teacher Johanna Downing-Green said: "I think it's a really lovely showing of Manxness and everyone coming together."

She said: "You get to see all the traditions that maybe you don't see every day, things like the bollan bane.

It also showcased "the musical side of the Isle of Man" and it was "a nice showing of togetherness for the Isle of Man", she added.

For James Burstow, from St Albans, attending Tynwald Day was an unexpected part of his first visit to the Isle of Man.

He said: "It wasn't actually part of our plan. We'd really come over to have a look around, go on the heritage transport and do some walks.

"It was only yesterday, when we were at Groudle Glen talking to someone in the café, that they said this was the equivalent of the State Opening of Parliament in Westminster, so we thought we'd better come and see what it's all about."

After watching the ceremony, he added: "It's amazing. Glorious weather, lots of spectacle."

For Gareth Watt from Port St Mary, the day was a family occasion as much as a national one.

He said: "We've got two kids, so we often come and look at the various attractions and sometimes watch some of the ceremony.

"I think it's a great celebration of the Isle of Man's history of parliament, the pomp and ceremony, and bringing everyone together on a public holiday."

Their youngest son was "now in the Air Cadets, so he's on parade today and we've come to support him", he added.

The sense of pride was shared by politicians taking part in the ceremony.

Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson, who is not standing for re-election at September's general election, said: "You're part of over a thousand years of history of the Isle of Man.

"For me, Tynwald Day is all about community. The fact that this is our bank holiday and nowhere else in the British Isles... it brings people together of all ages, makes it unique and makes me incredibly proud to be part of it."

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Tim Glover, who is also leaving politics, described sitting on Tynwald Hill as "an absolute privilege".

"It just fills you with pride," he said.

Environment minister Clare Barber said walking up the ceremonial way and taking her place on Tynwald Hill was "an immense privilege".

"It really grounds you. You absolutely don't forget the responsibility that's vested in you," she said.

She added that seeing schools, charities, community organisations and members of the public come together on Tynwald Day "really sums up all the things we have to be proud of here on the Isle of Man".

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