October 31 marks Hop tu Naa as one of the oldest continuous traditions in the Manx festivals calendar.

Historically, Hop tu Naa was the celebration of the end of summer and start of winter preparations, with communities across the island joining together for an evening of singing, turnip carving, dancing, storytelling, divination, games and cooking.

Hop tu Naa is so much more than an evening for people to go out in fancy dress. It’s a Manx institution which is steeped in history and folklore.

This year will see a range of Hop tu Naa events take place, from favourites like moot carving at Cregneash to new activities like the Year of Our Island’s ’hop on the Hop tu Naa bus’ event at Jurby Transport Museum.

We’re excited to have worked with the volunteers from the Jurby Transport Museum to host a spooky day of activities which will be a fun day out for the family on Wednesday , October 31.

Tickets for the ’hop on the Hop tu Naa Bus’ event cost £5 for children (adults go free).

For those who can’t make it up to Jurby, Year of Our Island has worked with Culture Vannin and Manx National Heritage to produce a range of Hop Tu Naa booklets, posters, banners and stickers to help us all get into the festival spirit.

The booklet contains suggestions which will keep you busy for the duration of the festival and includes recipes, songs, games and a one of a kind Hop tu Naa poster!

Collect your free booklet from the Welcome Centre and from libraries around the island.

Year of Our Island has also partnered with Culture Vannin and the Isle of Man Post Office for the island’s largest turnip (moot) carving competition!

Entrants have the chance to win a Railway Season Pass for two, limited edition Hop tu Naa T-shirts, 50 stamps and a selection of books and CDs.

To enter, you can either upload a picture of your moot masterpiece to Twitter, Instagram or Facebook under the hashtag #htnturnipcomp or send an email to [email protected].

The competition closes on Monday, November 5 and winners will be contacted after Saturday, November 10.

For more information on what’s planned during Hop tu Naa, email [email protected] or go to ourisland.im

by the Year of Our Island Team

www.ourisland.im