Possibly the most traditional, dyed-in-the-wool events of the island’s calendar is undergoing a bit of a make over.

Tynwald Day is to see a number of changes this year, with the biggest being the introduction of TynwaldFest.

In a move to create more of a social, festival atmosphere, the organisers created a stage festival area to the left of the Tynwald Green, which once hosted the Home coming tent.

Music and bands will keep the party going long after the politicians and dignitaries have departed the hill and the market on the fairfield begins to pack up.

Anglo-Manx folk group Birlinn Jiarg and the 11 piece soul funk group Retrospect will play in the early hours of the evening, followed by the traditional ceilidh will occupy the festival stage, before the atmospheric sounds of the Ellan Vannin Pipe Band, performing on Tynwald Hill, will bring the day to a close.

The changes have been brought about by the Tynwald Day Enhancements co-ordinator Gráinne Joughin, who identified a lull in the day’s celebrations, and realised that there was the opportunity to create something inclusive and dynamic into the national day’s proceedings.

’Tynwald day is Tynwald day, and everything else is as it should be,’ said Gráinne. ’But this year we have decided to give it a little bit of a boost and try and introduce the more parts that include everybody.

’We have introduced the new Tynwaldfest stage with the idea of putting on a bit more entertainment, to try and generate a bit more of that festival feel and celebration.

’It will be where what was the Homecoming tent, and the home comers tent is now called the Manx tent, which will be down on the fair field by the memorial stone.

’In addition to everything that happens on the day, TynwaldFest aims to bring everyone together towards to end of the day to celebrate as a community in the best way we know how, with good food, good drink and good music.

’The whole idea behind the new stage is to create that vibe, similar to what you find in Europe where the community all come together. That’s the concept behind it.’

Birlinn Jiarg feature Manx whistle virtuoso Becky Hurst, alongside a band of talented folk artists from across the UK. They play trad folk, with Manx music very much at the centre of their sound.

They will play from 5pm, and island-based funk band Retrospect will keep the party going from 6.30pm. After that, the Kipper Ceili band will get the people on their feet.

Throughout the day, there will be entertainment from the circus act, The Fairly Famous Family, who will also perform in between bands during the festival.

Local food and drink will also be on offer courtesy of Noa Bakehouse, The Manx Cider Company and Ballakarran Lamb.

The stage area will also feature children’s crafts throughout the day and, from 3pm, dancers from Gena’s Dance Academy will perform.

Elsewhere, the newly created Manx tent will house various Manx groups and societies, including the Mannin Quilters, members of the Rock Project and The Western Photographic society will be exhibiting.

Also returning this year is The One World Village, located in the Arboretum, featuring international cuisine and entertainment.

The Vikings of Mann will also have their camp in the Cooil y Ree gardens.

’All this is happening as well as ’the usual activities you would associate with Tynwald Day in the afternoon, such as the mass Manx dancing and the military band,’said Gráinne.

by Mike Wade

twitter:@mwislandlife