Vikings and villages will be making a welcome return this year to St John’s and the Tynwald Day celebrations.

The Vikings of Mann will, once again, establish their village in Cooil y Ree, providing a fascinating insight in their ancient way life and staging a ‘last man standing’ battle, while the Arboretum will be the setting for the One World Centre’s Global Village where visitors can enjoy song, dance and entertainment from different cultures linked to the Isle of Man and sample food from around the world.

A host of other attractions – all provided free of charge – will be on offer, ranging from a celebration of 65 years of the Women’s Institute in the Isle of Man, local history, culture and photography in the Manx Tent alongside Tynwald Hill to art activities, wood-carving workshops, face painting and Manx National Heritage’s iMusuem at the Bunscoill. There will also be an opportunity to win ?100 in the Tynwald Day family quiz and to enjoy a wealth of Manx dance and musical entertainment, including a concert by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood.

After what promises to be a memorable day out for all the family the Tynwald Day celebrations will be brought to a close by the Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums on Tynwald Hill at 10.00pm.

The President of Tynwald Clare Christian said: ‘Our national day is an extraordinary combination of the pageantry of significant parliamentary process and fair day; it is a wonderful day out for all the family. I have been surprised to find that there are people who have never strayed from the fair field on Tynwald Day to venture down to Cooil y Ree or the arboretum or walked into the church or across the road into the Bunscoill Gaelgagh to enjoy the activities which celebrate our heritage or reflect our place in today's multicultural world. To those I would say: “You’re missing out on a lot of enjoyment!”

‘Our quiz (easier this year) will take you to all these places, but allow yourselves plenty of time as there is so much to see and do. Above all it is a day to meet friends for a good 'cooish', and to celebrate the unique Celtic and Viking heritage through which we continue to make our own laws and to take pride in what makes us Manx. If you have never been before make this the year when you come to St. John's for all the fun of the fair.’

To find out more about this year’s national day celebrations follow Tynwald Day 2015 Isle of Man on Facebook.

Tynwald Day will be streamed live on tynwald.org.im. To follow the proceedings as they happen click on the ‘Watch Live’ link.

Tynwald Day grandstand seat tickets, priced ?4 to include a programme, may be purchased by contacting the Tynwald Library, telephone 685520.

Tynwald Day is central to Manx National Week taking place from July 4th to 12th. The Tynwald Day leaflet featuring the week’s programme of events can be downloaded from www.tynwald.org.im. Copies of the leaflet can also be obtained from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, from the Tynwald Library in the Legislative Buildings, Finch Road, Douglas, and will be available on the day at the Tynwald stall on the fair field.