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BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Tynwald ceremony offers people 'a chance to be Manx for a day'
People celebrating the Isle of Man's national day from across the island have hailed it as "a chance to be Manx for a day".The annual open-air sitting of Tynwald took place in St John's earlier, with music and traditional dancing throughout the afternoon alongside activities promoting the island's Bashford, who travelled from Port St Mary with her father to watch the ancient ceremony on Tynwald Hill, said it was good to be able to see it again after spending some time away."I have been reconnecting with what the island is and what the heritage is," she added. Her father Adrian Bashforth agreed that it was a special occasion each year as it was "one big occasion every year, in some respects like the opening of parliament, it is our way of doing things.""It is the Manx way and we are very proud to be Manx," he said. Marian Ashcroft from Ramsey said one of her favourite parts of the day was watching the military parade following by the ceremony on the hill said it was someone close to people's hearts because it was "our day where we see our parliament in action which is just part of our community and culture". Vicki Gillings, who lives in nearby Peel, said the right to hand over a petition during the ceremony was "just so empowering"."You know that someone somewhere will listen to what you have to say," she said, adding: "I love the feeling that it is all tangible". Geoff Robinson, from Onchan, said for many years he had taken part in the traditional dancing displays at the event with the Manx Folk Group Society for many years, which helped to keep the "tradition going". The ancient outdoor ceremony, which has its roots in the island's Viking links, saw politicians, dignitaries, the judiciary and the clergy assemble on Tynwald Hill in St John' many of the island's politicians, taking part in the ceremony is a source of national of the House of Keys Juan Watterson Tynwald Day was the "epitome of Manxness"."You don't get anything close to this anywhere else in the world, it is a peculiarly Manx institution and long may it continue," he said the "heart of the ceremony" was the proclamation of the acts, which meant it remained the "same as when the Vikings were running it". Daphne Caine MHK said the ceremony was "for the people" and being part of the proceedings was "a real pinch me moment".It was a "wonderful time to come together and catch up with people", she David Ashford said it was "remarkable" to think back at the long history of the ceremony "and what it means for our island and our community"."As a small island nation, community is at our core", he said, adding: "I love seeing how happy people are." Newly elected MLC Kirsty Morphet, who was taking part in the ceremony for the first time said it was "awe-inspiring to be part of something that has been going since the 10th Century".It was "amazing" to see the laws of the island "come to fruition" and "hopefully in the future be part of really meaningful legislation", she added. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
Times of Oman
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
HM the Sultan greets presidents of Congo, Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda, Governor General of Canada
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has sent a cable of greetings to PresidentFelix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo on his country's Independence Anniversary. In the cable, His Majesty the Sultan expressed his heartfelt sentiments and best wishes for Congo's progress, development and stability under the leadership of President Felix Tshisekedi. His Majesty also wished the bilateral relations further growth in a manner that serves mutual interests. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik also sent a cable of greetings to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia on his country's National Day. In the cable, His Majesty the Sultan expressed his sincere sentiments and best wishes of success to President Hassan in achieving further accomplishments and aspirations that serve the people of his country. His Majesty also wished the bilateral relations further progress and growth in all spheres. His Majesty the Sultan also sent a cable of greetings to President Évariste Ndayishimiye of the Republic of Burundi on his country's National Day. In the cable, His Majesty expressed his heartfelt sentiments to President Évariste and the people of his country. Meanwhile, His Majesty the Sultan sent a cable of greetings to President Paul Kagameof the Republic of Rwanda on his country's National Day. In the cable, His Majesty expressed his heartfelt sentiments and best wishes to President Kagame in achieving his people's aspirations of further progress, stability and growth. Moreover, His Majesty the Sultan also sent a cable of greetings to Governor-General Mary Simonof Canada on her country's National Day. In the cable, His Majesty the Sultan expressed his sincere sentiments to Governor-General Mary Simon, wishing Canada further prosperity and growth. His Majesty also wished the bilateral cooperation and partnerships further expansion in various fields to serve the interests of the two countries' peoples.
